National Day of Action in the Sault (32 photos)

The sound of singers, rattles, drums and speakers were raised today in Sault Ste. Marie today in a harmony of messages for the National Day of Action.

Among the messages was a call for young people to recognize how important they are to the future of First Nation peoples in Canada.

"We need you to become involved," said Batchewana First Nation Chief Dean Sayers (shown in headress). "You are the future."

A group of about 100 people carrying flags and signs set out from the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library main branch shortly after 11 a.m. this morning.

With a police escort, they walked north on East Street, then west on Queen to the courthouse where several speakers addressed the crowd.

Sayers spoke first and talked about the importance of Canadians sharing some of the wealth that so many have amassed at the expense of First Nations people.

"So many of our children are growing up in poverty and that is all they expect to know," he said.

He and other speakers also talked about the need for Canadians to honour their treaties.

"We have all inherited an obligation to honour these treaties made in good faith by our grandparents," said Sayers.

Also among the speakers was Barbara Wardlaw from the First Peoples National Party of Canada.

Wardlaw talked about a close friend who couldn't be at today's events because he was traveling to a northern community to be with the family of his 13-year-old godchild who recently committed suicide.

"It's time we spoke out about this," said Wardlaw. "Our children should be thinking happy childhood thoughts, they should have hope for the future!"

Today's peaceful demonstration was show of solidarity supporting the need for a better life for First Nations and a stronger country for all Canadians.

More photographs to be added later today

The following statement was issued this afternoon by the Ontario Provincial Police:

************************* National Day of Action features many positive events

ORILLIA, ON, June 29 - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recognizes the many communities across Ontario that are taking a positive approach to today's National Day of Action through distinctive, lawful events being carried out respectfully and safely for everyone involved. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) put this day forward as an opportunity for peaceful demonstration.

The OPP committed its support and worked with First Nations leadership nationally, provincially and regionally to contribute to ensuring a positive opportunity for people in Ontario to gain a better understanding of aboriginal issues. "The OPP fully supports people's right to peaceful freedom of expression and lawful protest, in keeping with our duty to preserve the peace and maintain public safety," said Commissioner Julian Fantino. The OPP has worked collaboratively with local First Nations community organizers to ensure safety as a priority as they prepared to use the specially designated day for its intended purpose: to raise public awareness and build bridges with Canadians.

This relationship and close communication have contributed to the many notable and peaceful events going on in communities around the province today. Blockades and barricades are not what today's call to action is about for many, however "they arise from very complex situations that the police have no authority to resolve," said Commissioner Fantino. As the various events unfold through the day, the OPP remains focused on securing a positive outcome for all National Day of Action activities, for everyone involved.

Through negotiation, the OPP secured the reopening of Highway 401 without incident and continues to work to resolve remaining transportation interruptions. "We understand that any traffic interruption on such a busy travel day may be inconvenient and frustrating," says Commissioner Fantino. "We thank people for their patience and understanding. Both will go a long way to building bridges and ensuring a safe start to the Canada Day long weekend."

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