Idle No More: Indigenous-Led Protests Sweep Canada for Native Sovereignty and Environmental Justice

Summary

The 'Idle No More' movement in Canada is a nationwide campaign for indigenous rights and environmental justice. It began as protests against government budget bills and has expanded to demand political transformation, with activists calling for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to honor treaties, engage in dialogue with environmentalists, and reject pipelines that would affect First Nation territories. The movement has gained support from high-profile figures like Chief Teresa Spence, who is on a hunger strike to demand respect for historical treaties.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Idle No More movement is a nationwide campaign for indigenous rights and environmental justice in Canada.
• 🏛️ It began as protests against a government budget bill and has expanded into a broader movement for political transformation.
• 🤝 Aboriginal and environmental activists are uniting to resist the Canadian government's attempts to appropriate resource lands and assimilate Aboriginal Nations.
• 📜 They are calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to honor treaties with Aboriginals, open dialogue with environmentalists, and reject pipelines that would affect First Nation territories.
• 📢 The movement's message is spreading through social media, with activists rallying in cities, blocking highways, organizing flash mobs, and interrupting the legislature.
• 🌳 Chief Teresa Spence, a high-profile supporter, is on a hunger strike demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Harper to discuss respect for historical treaties.
• 🏙️ The movement's name, Idle No More, symbolizes the need to organize grassroots efforts and empower indigenous people in decision-making processes.
• 📈 The movement was sparked by changes to the Indian Act and the Navigable Waters Act, which activists argue would allow for the easy surrender of reserve lands and impact waterways.
• 🌳 The movement is also connected to resistance against pipelines like the tar sands pipeline, which activists argue would negatively impact Aboriginal territories and the environment.
• 🌐 The movement highlights the broader issues faced by First Nations, including high rates of unemployment, homelessness, incarceration, and suicide.
• 💬 Dialogue is not enough; activists argue that action is needed to address the fundamental crises in many First Nations communities, such as underfunding of water, sanitation, housing, food, and education.

Q & A

What is the 'Idle No More' movement and what sparked its creation?

The 'Idle No More' movement is a campaign for indigenous rights and environmental justice in Canada. It began as a series of protests against a controversial government budget bill and has since expanded into a nationwide movement for political transformation. Aboriginal and environmental activists are resisting the conservative Canadian government's attempts to appropriate resource lands and assimilate Aboriginal Nations.

What are the main demands of the 'Idle No More' movement?

The movement is calling on Prime Minister Steven Harper to honor treaties with aboriginals, open dialogue with environmentalists, and reject pipelines that would infiltrate First Nation territories.

Who is Chief Teresa Spence and why is she on a hunger strike?

Chief Teresa Spence is a high-profile supporter of the 'Idle No More' movement and is on her 16th day of a hunger strike. She is protesting to demand a meeting with Prime Minister Harper to discuss respect for historical treaties and the rights of her people.

What are the key issues raised by the movement regarding the treatment of First Nations in Canada?

The movement highlights issues such as the higher rates of unemployment, homelessness, incarceration, and suicide among First Nations compared to the general population. It also addresses the lack of benefits from resource exploitation on their lands, which are instead going to the government.

What is the significance of the name 'Idle No More'?

The name 'Idle No More' symbolizes the movement's aim to organize people at the grassroots level and to empower the indigenous grassroots to be involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives, which have traditionally been controlled by politicians and the Indian Act.

What specific legislation sparked the initial protests of the 'Idle No More' movement?

The initial protests were sparked by Bill C-45, an omnibus bill that made amendments to various pieces of legislation, particularly changes to the Indian Act and the Navigable Waters Act, which the movement sees as a violation of their treaty rights and a threat to waterways.

How has the Canadian government responded to the 'Idle No More' movement?

The government, represented by Parliamentary Secretary Greg Rickford, has expressed willingness to engage in more dialogue between First Nations and the Canadian government, emphasizing the need for shared priorities to deliver real results.

What is the connection between the 'Idle No More' movement and the resistance against tar sands pipelines?

The movement ties together various forms of resistance, including against tar sands pipelines, as part of a broader effort to protect lands and resources. The pipelines are seen as an aggressive form of resource development happening without the knowledge and consent of First Nations.

What are the broader implications of the 'Idle No More' movement for environmental protection in Canada?

The movement underscores the role of First Nations as the last best hope for protecting lands for food and clean water for future generations, not just for their people but for all Canadians, given their constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights.

What criticisms has Chief Teresa Spence's hunger strike faced, and how does the movement respond to them?

Some critics, including Senator Patrick Brazao and others, have voiced caution or disapproval of the hunger strike, suggesting it sets a bad example or is not an effective method for dealing with the government. The movement counters these criticisms by highlighting the dire conditions faced by First Nations and the symbolic importance of the hunger strike to bring awareness to these issues.

Outlines

00:00

🌎 Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice Movement

The 'Idle No More' movement in Canada has grown from a series of protests against a government budget bill to a nationwide campaign for political transformation. Aboriginal and environmental activists are resisting the conservative government's attempts to exploit resource lands and assimilate Aboriginal Nations. They demand Prime Minister Steven Harper to honor treaties, engage in open dialogue with environmentalists, and reject pipelines that would affect First Nation territories. The movement has gained momentum through social media, rallies, and protests, including a hunger strike by Chief Teresa Spence, who seeks a meeting with Harper to discuss treaty respect. The movement's goals are to empower grassroots First Nations communities and protect land and water from exploitation.

05:01

📜 Addressing the Core Issues of Indigenous Rights

Pamela Palmater, a spokeswoman for the 'Idle No More' movement, criticizes the Canadian government's approach to Indigenous rights, highlighting the lack of genuine dialogue and the failure to address critical issues such as underfunding of essential services in First Nations communities. She emphasizes the need for action beyond dialogue, pointing out the government's failure to improve socioeconomic indicators for First Nations over the past two decades. The movement is also linked to the resistance against the tar sands pipeline, which would cross Aboriginal territory, and is part of a broader effort to protect lands and resources for future generations, which is crucial not only for First Nations but for all Canadians.

10:01

🕊️ Hunger Strike for Treaty Respect and Indigenous Sovereignty

Chief Teresa Spence's hunger strike has drawn attention to the plight of First Nations people, who face significantly higher rates of suicide, unemployment, and other social issues compared to the general Canadian population. Her protest is a call for international awareness and a demand for a meeting with Prime Minister Harper to discuss historical treaty respect. While some critics argue that her actions are not setting a good example or are ineffective against the current government, supporters view the hunger strike as a powerful symbol of the struggle for Indigenous rights and the need for immediate action to protect the well-being of First Nations communities.

Keywords

💡Indigenous Rights

Indigenous Rights refer to the rights held by indigenous peoples to maintain and protect their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and territories. In the video, the Idle No More movement is fighting for indigenous rights in Canada, opposing government actions that they perceive as undermining their sovereignty and rights to land and resources.

💡Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. The movement in the video seeks environmental justice by resisting projects like tar sands pipelines that could harm indigenous lands and the environment.

💡Idle No More Movement

The Idle No More Movement is a protest movement that began in Canada as a response to government budget bills and has expanded into a nationwide movement for political transformation. It is highlighted in the video as a key force advocating for indigenous rights and environmental justice, with activists rallying and organizing various forms of protest.

💡Conservative Government

The term 'Conservative Government' in the script refers to the political party in power in Canada at the time, which the movement sees as attempting to assimilate Aboriginal Nations and exploit resource lands. The movement is calling for the government to honor treaties and engage in open dialogue with indigenous peoples and environmentalists.

💡Treaties

Treaties in this context are formal agreements between sovereign entities, specifically between the Canadian government and Aboriginal Nations. The video emphasizes the need for Prime Minister Steven Harper to honor these treaties, which are seen as foundational to the rights and sovereignty of indigenous peoples.

💡First Nation Territories

First Nation Territories refer to the lands traditionally inhabited and governed by First Nations, the various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are distinct from Inuit and Métis. The script discusses concerns about pipelines and resource extraction in these territories without the consent of the First Nations.

💡Hunger Strike

A hunger strike is a method of non-violent resistance in which participants fast as a symbolic act to protest against perceived injustices. Chief Teresa Spence, a supporter of the Idle No More Movement mentioned in the video, is on a hunger strike to demand a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss respect for historical treaties.

💡Tar Sands Pipelines

Tar Sands Pipelines refer to the infrastructure designed to transport the bitumen extracted from the oil sands of Alberta, Canada. The video script mentions these pipelines as a point of contention within the Idle No More Movement, as they are seen as infringing on First Nation territories and posing environmental risks.

💡Grassroots Level

The term 'Grassroots Level' signifies the foundational or primary level of a social or political movement, often involving the direct participation of the people it represents. In the video, the Idle No More Movement aims to organize and empower grassroots indigenous communities to take action and make decisions about their own lives.

💡Indian Act

The Indian Act is a set of laws in Canada that governs the structure and governance of First Nations bands. The video script points out that the Indian Act leaves indigenous grassroots people out of the decision-making process, which the Idle No More Movement seeks to change.

💡Resource Appropriation

Resource Appropriation refers to the act of taking or using resources without proper consent or compensation, often from indigenous lands. The video discusses how the Canadian government is accused of attempting to appropriate resource lands from Aboriginal Nations.

Highlights

The 'Idle No More' movement in Canada is a nationwide campaign for indigenous rights and environmental justice.

The movement began as a protest against a government budget bill but expanded into a political transformation campaign.

Aboriginal and environmental activists resist the Canadian government's attempts to appropriate resource lands and assimilate Aboriginal Nations.

Activists call on Prime Minister Steven Harper to honor treaties with aboriginies and engage in open dialogue with environmentalists.

The movement opposes tar sands pipelines that would infiltrate First Nation territories.

The 'Idle No More' campaign uses social media to spread its message and has rallied in Canadian cities, blocking highways and organizing flash mobs.

Chief Teresa Spence, a high-profile supporter, is on a hunger strike demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Harper to discuss respect for historical treaties.

Aborigines in Canada face higher rates of unemployment, homelessness, incarceration, and suicide compared to the general population.

The movement's name, 'Idle No More', symbolizes the effort to organize grassroots and empower indigenous people in decision-making.

Protests were sparked by legislation changes, including amendments to the Indian Act and the Navigable Waters Act, impacting treaty rights and waterways.

The Canadian government's response to the movement has been criticized for not addressing core issues like underfunding of essential services for First Nations.

The movement has ties to national resistance against pipelines and other aggressive resource developments without indigenous consent.

First Nations are seen as the last line of defense for protecting lands and resources for future generations, affecting all Canadians.

Chief Teresa Spence's hunger strike is symbolic of the slow death experienced by her people due to lack of basic necessities and services.

Some critics, including a native Senator and politicians, have voiced caution and disapproval of the hunger strike as a method.

The movement's impact is highlighted by the stark contrast between Canada's international image and the reality faced by First Nations.

Transcripts

this is democracy Now democracynow.org

The War and Peace report I'm Amy Goodman

with nin sh we turn now to a new

campaign for indigenous rights and

environmental justice that's spreading

across Canada the idol no more movement

began as a series of protests against a

controversial government budget bill but

has since expanded into a nationwide

movement for political transformation

Aboriginal and environmental activists

are teaming up to resist what they say

is the conservative Canadian

government's attempts to appropriate

resourcer lands and to assimilate

Aboriginal Nations they're calling on

Prime Minister Steven Harper to honor

treaties with aboriginies open dialogue

with environmentalists and reject

taran's pipelines that would infiltrate

First Nation territories the website IDL

more.com calls on people to quote join

in a revolution which honors and

fulfills indigenous sovereignty and

protects the land and water spreading

their message on social media Outlet

activists with Idol no more have rallied

in dozens of Canadian cities held

countless teachings blocked major

highways organized flash mobs and

shopping centers and even interrupted

the legislature one of the movement's

most high-profile supporters is Chief

Teresa Spence who is on her 16th day of

a hunger strike in a TP just outside

ottawa's Parliament she warns she will

starve herself until she gets a meeting

with prime minister Harper to discuss

respect for historical treaties we're

living in the third world and this

shouldn't be happening in this country

you

know they're getting riched by your land

everybody's using our traditional land

except us in all these mining companies

and other forestries and other things

has been happening in our community

there's no benefit for us it's all going

to the government so far Chief Teresa

Spence has not received a response from

Canadian Prime Minister Harper um in

Canada Aborigines suffer far higher

rates of unemployment homelessness

incarceration suicide than the general

population we're going now to Toronto

where we're joined by Pamela palmat the

chair and Indigenous governance at

Ryerson University spokeswoman for the

idol no more movement and member of the

IL River Bar First Nation uh Pamela

welcome to democracy Now start off by

why the name of the movement Idle No

More

well it's it's really symbolic of trying

to get people organized at the

Grassroots level because for many

decades we have this scenario where

politicians in Canada are making

decisions over the lives of First

Nations communities across this country

and First Nations leaders who are

trapped in this system under the Indian

Act that's Federal legislation that we

have that controls every single action

and decision they make which really

leaves the Grassroots people out of the

decision-making process and for

traditional indigenous governments here

in Canada it's the indigenous Grassroots

people that are the real decision makers

they've been kept in the dark they

haven't known what's going on and so

what we tried to do for this movement is

is come up with um teachings come up

with information that would help empower

the Grassroots to know what is the

threat against them and how to take

action to address it regardless of

what's happening at the political level

uh Pamela can you say a little about

what precisely sparked uh these protests

what was the budget bill that was being

considered well it's it's actually 14

pieces of legislation some of the

earlier protests were focusing just on

bill c45 which was a giant Omnibus Bill

uh which made amendments to tons of

pieces of legislation but the two kind

of critical pieces for us at the time

were the changes to the IND unilateral

changes to the Indian Act which would

allow this the easy surrender of our

Reserve lands and the changes to the

navigable Waters act which doesn't just

impact first nation's people it also

impacts Canadians and Americans because

we share between Canada and the US lots

of waterways and water basins and and

rivers and lakes and so these changes

will be catastrophic to those waterways

and affect people on both sides of the

border so what we were trying to do was

not just inform and Empower First

Nations communities about that violation

to our treaty rights because we never

surrendered our waterways but also the

devastating impacts on Canadians and

Americans in terms of clean drinking

water I want to turn to Greg rickford

the Parliamentary secretary to the

minister of Aboriginal Affairs in Canada

he told the global Toronto that the

government is willing to engage in more

dialogue between First Nations and the

Canadian government we understand the

dynamic of that demand uh and we want to

be sure in every sense that we're

working and singing from the same song

book in terms of having shared

priorities with that deliver Real

Results Pamela paler your

response well I mean it's just more of

the status quo we have I mean from very

early times we negotiated

nation-to-nation based treaty

relationship and ever since then

Canadian officials have decided to make

laws and policies and direct our

communities without any consent on our

part um this is just more of the same

you notice how he doesn't address any of

the core issues like the fundamental

crisis in many of our communities the

purposeful chronic underfunding of Water

Sanitation housing food education the

very things that contribute to our

premature deaths by up to 20 years less

than other Canadians what he's talking

about is more dialogue well we have been

dialoguing for decades and look at where

it has got us in the last 20 years years

every single socioeconomic indicator for

First Nations has gone downhill which

when you look at the Mandate of Indian

Affairs they only have one job of those

5,000 bureaucrats who use up billions of

our dollars have to improve the the

social well-being of First Nations in

this country and they have failed over

and over again so dialogue's not going

to do it it's only going to be action uh

Pamela can you talk a little about how

the idol No More protest time into the

uh national movement against uh tarand

the tarand pipeline uh that would cross

uh uh Aboriginal

territory well when you think about it

this movement has been in the works for

several years I know myself and many

others have been working to inform First

Nations about what's happening on their

territories not just in terms of

legislation and the funding Cuts but

also what's happening politically and

then what's happening in terms of the

aggressive resource development that

happening without our knowledge and

consent like tar Sands like pipelines

like mining hydr fracking and all of

those things um all of that is tied in

you'll notice even before the idol no

more movement officially came out on

social media you've had lots of protests

against Enbridge and Kinder Morgan and

and I mean even earlier against McMillan

bodell for for forestry and that kind of

thing so we have been working on

resisting What's Happening Here in

Canada it's just that what this movement

has done is kind of tied it all together

so the idol no more movement tied in

with the resistance to pipelines with

you know other informal movements called

the indigenous rights uh Revolution and

individual First Nations who are

standing up and exercising their

sovereignty to protect the lands and

resources for everybody because

something that Canadians don't often

realize is that first nations are the

last best hope that they have of

protecting lands for food and clean

clean water for the future not just for

our people but for Canadians as well

because we have constitutionally

protected Aboriginal and treaty rights

that they don't have so this country

Falls or survives on whether or not they

acknowled or recognize and Implement

those Aboriginal and treaty rights so

they need to stand with us to protect

what will be essential and what we're

talking about is having food and water

for future generations and that impacts

all of us Pamela Pomer I wanted to ask

you about Chief Teresa Spence who's been

on the hunger strike for over two weeks

she says she's willing to die for her

people she wants prime minister Harper

native Chiefs the queen to discuss

respect for historical treaties however

her hunger strike has led some to voice

caution and even disapproval like

Patrick brazo a native Senator appointed

by Harper stating he thought she wasn't

setting a good example for Aboriginal

youth meanwhile Kate Hartfield of the

Ottawa Citizen warns this isn't the way

to deal with the government headed by

Harper and politician Charlie Angus

suggested this type of potential

martyrdom could lead to the type of

strife experienced in Northern Ireland

what is your response to

this well I mean you have to look at who

is who who is making those comments so

Senator Patrick brazo um he's an

indigenous person that uh came to Senate

uh most First Nations in this country

consider him a traitor because he

actively works against first nation's

interests uh for his own personal gain

Accord in to First Nations and so we we

tend not to pay attention to the things

that he says but in terms of other

politicians of course they're going to

say these things because the the current

status quo benefits the majority

population even if they don't have a

direct hand in it because we First

Nations people have been subsidizing the

wealth and prosperity and programs and

services of Canadians from our lands and

resources and that's the reality here

that most people don't understand this

hunger strike is very symbolic um if you

if you look at every day that Chief

Teresa Spence doesn't eat she's slowly

dying and she's doing that for her

people and why because our people are

slowly dying 22% of our youth die from

suicides our people die in Child and

Family Services in prisons from

contaminated water and lack of food lack

of housing this is what's happening to

our people and Chief Teresa Spence's

hunger strike is meant to bring

awareness to what's happening around the

world because International countries

look at Canada and see the Olympics and

some uh Native people dancing in their

regalia at the opening ceremonies and

think everything is wonderful here in

Canada when an actual fact you know the

the United Nations human development

index puts Canada from number four as a

wonderful country for living down to 78

if you isolate First Nations that's how

bad things are here in Canada Pamela

Pomer will have to leave it there chair

in indigenous governance at Ryerson

University I want to thank you for being

with a spokeswoman for Idle No More I'm

Amy Goodman with n Shake our website is

democracy now.org thanks so much for

watching this report from democracy Now

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