Idle No More is for everyone (10 photos)

Yesterday marked International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and a small but devoted group of concerned citizens gathered at the Highway 17/17B junction in Garden River to protest the cultural and environmental impact of Bill C-45.

Not a blockade, traffic was diverted from Highway 17B to Highway 17 as drivers received information regarding Bill C-45.

Imposed without consultation with Canada's indigenous people, and in direct violation of treaty rights, provisions contained within Bill C-45 drastically alter a number of environmental protections which affect all Canadians.

The passing of Bill C-45 sparked the Idle No More movement across the nation.

A release issued by the office of the prime minister on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination states:

"The diversity that exists in Canada is something we cherish, for our nation has been greatly enriched by over 200 cultures that make up our country. Indeed, our reputation as a free and just country depends on our stance against practices such as racial discrimination, and we must always work hard to live up to that reputation."

"If you look over the last 30 or 40 years and the promises made by the government that they're going to do something, they never do it," Chief Lyle Sayers of Garden River First Nation told SooToday.com. "It was suggested a while back that we meet with the chiefs and the prime minister in high-level meetings. Two months have gone by without a peep."

"We're back here because nobody's listening. We need to get the information out," he continued. "We're trying to educate the Canadian public with regards to the environment. It's our job to make sure everyone knows what's in that bill."

Chief Sayers said actions and initiatives of the Idle No More movement will pick up speed over the next few months - actions that some claim only increases the rift between the intention of Idle No More and those who disagree with or don't understand it.

Chief Sayers disagrees, citing an increase in communication he's received from non-native citizens wishing to find out more and thanking the local movement for its actions.

"A lot of people don't care about these environmental issues and it's unfortunate. Somebody's got to get the message out and that's what we're doing," he said. "If you don't like what we're doing, I'm sorry. But we have to protect Mother Earth. So that's what we're going to do."

Locally, Chief Sayers spoke of two upcoming demonstrations, one of which will protest the development of Pointe Estates which will destroy vital wetlands in Prince Township.

Another demonstration is in the works for the year's Earth Day on Monday, April 22.

Everyone, natives and non-native alike, is invited to participate.

The aforementioned news released issued yesterday by the office of the prime minister follows.

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

On this day, I encourage all Canadians to fight against racial and ethnic discrimination whenever and wherever it occurs.

We as a country do not tolerate any form of discrimination, and recognize the very real societal and economic damage that these attitudes cause to communities, families and individuals.

The diversity that exists in Canada is something we cherish, for our nation has been greatly enriched by over 200 cultures that make up our country.

Indeed, our reputation as a free and just country depends on our stance against practices such as racial discrimination, and we must always work hard to live up to that reputation.

To this end, our Government will continue to work at home and abroad with our partners to combat racial and ethnic discrimination in all its manifestations.

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