Live from Garden River

SooToday.com is currently at the Garden River Truss Company, where Anishinabe representatives from across Ontario are about to briefly block Highways 17 and 17B as part of a rally on postsecondary education and other issues.

At 10:30 a.m., about 200 marchers began walking down Highway 17 toward the main highway, headed by Garden River Fire Department vehicles and traditional drummers.

At 10:46 a.m., the group reached the main highway, which had already been closed by the OPP. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo experienced flight delays and did not make it to Garden River in time for the event.

Garden River First Nation Chief Lyle Sayers told the crowd here that education is a guaranteed right under relevant treaties and Anishinabek will return here to protest again if government doesn't respect that right. Batchewana First Nation Chief Dean Sayers says governments should stop immigration if they're strapped for cash.

Other visiting chiefs expressed concern about the willingness of governments to generously support foreign students while the province's own students receive inadequate support.

Also at the Garden River rally today was Bud Wildman, past chair of Algoma University.

Dr. Ron Common, president of Sault College, attended a pre-rally session at the Garden River Recreation Centre.