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Seen today at the International Bridge (updated, photos)

A small, peaceful group of Idle No More protesters braved chilly winter weather and gathered at Sault Ste. Marie’s International Bridge Wednesday afternoon as part of a nationwide Day of Action.

A small, peaceful group of Idle No More protesters braved chilly winter weather and gathered at Sault Ste. Marie’s International Bridge Wednesday afternoon as part of a nationwide Day of Action.

Information leaflets were handed to motorists heading into and returning from the U.S.

The local gathering, scheduled to run from 12 to 5pm Wednesday, took place as other Idle No More groups slowed down traffic on other bridges, rail lines and roadways across Canada. 

Hundreds were gathering at the Ambassador Bridge border crossing in Windsor, Ontario.

The local group was not officially affiliated with any First Nations territory, but rather a grassroots gathering, spokesman Greg Fletcher told SooToday.com.

Fletcher, a member of Missanabie Cree First Nation who resides in Sault Ste. Marie, emphasized that Idle No More is not strictly a First Nations movement designed to raise awareness of aboriginal issues, but rather a movement which objects to rules contained in the federal government’s Bill C-45, which its’ opponents say affect all Canadians.

“This is something all Canadians should be paying attention to,” Fletcher said.

The Idle No More movement asserts that the government’s omnibus legislation will harm all Canadians, opening the door too easily and widely to private sector development of lands nationwide, and states that will damage lands and waterways. 

First Nations communities have vehemently opposed the legislation, which they say was passed without consultation of First Nations leaders.

“Our number one concern is the government making decisions on our behalf without talking to us first,” Fletcher said.

What of the divide that has recently developed between First Nations leaders?

Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed to give greater priority to First Nations’ issues at a meeting last Friday in Ottawa with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo (now on sick leave) and a number of other First Nations leaders, while Governor General David Johnston met with fasting Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence at Rideau Hall.

That has not impressed many First Nations leaders.

Spence remains on a fast, while First Nations leaders from Ontario and Manitoba demand a larger meeting with both Harper and Johnston at the table with all First Nations leaders under one roof.

Referring to the rift among First Nations leaders as a result of the meeting between Harper and a handful of chiefs, Fletcher told us: “There was a message put out from Chief Theresa Spence last night and she’s asked everybody to show more solidarity. She said we need each other more now than we’ve ever had. We can’t be arguing with each other. We need Shawn Atleo and the rest of the First Nations leaders all on the same page.”

“They (the federal government) chose to do what they’ve always done and tell us what they are going to do. The Prime Minister dictated to us who he’s going to meet with, how many chiefs he’s going to meet with, and for how long he’s going to meet with them,” Fletcher told us, regarding last Friday’s developments. “We’re hoping to get a working relationship with the Prime Minister. We have over 600 chiefs, and he just can’t take 15 of those and meet with them.”

“The Governor General chose to meet with over 200 chiefs at his residence when one of the main concerns the chiefs were bringing to him were housing conditions on First Nations properties," Fletcher continued. "For him to do that and have that meeting at his house, which he got from the resources of this land, I think that was pretty rude. He could have had that meeting anywhere, on any neutral ground.”

Where is the Idle No More movement heading?

Civil disobedience?

Violence?

Another Ipperwash incident, in which OPP shot and killed unarmed protestor Dudley George at a provincial park in 1995?

Ontario Superior Court Judge David Brown has criticized the OPP for being soft on protestors halting traffic on rail lines, while the OPP have put a strong emphasis on peace and public safety.

“The police are helping us because they realize this is not just a First Nations issue, it’s a Canadian issue," Fletcher claims. "The media says it’s all about First Nations, but when it’s portrayed in the media like that, then the general public turns a blind eye to the issues that are happening.”

“Granted, the general public has heard about First Nations issues for a long time and, sure, some of them may be sick and tired of hearing about it, but that’s why we’re saying it’s not just a First Nations issue. Everyone needs to pay attention to this,” Fletcher stated.


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Darren Taylor

About the Author: Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is a news reporter and photographer in Sault Ste Marie. He regularly covers community events, political announcements and numerous board meetings. With a background in broadcast journalism, Darren has worked in the media since 1996.
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