Idle No More flash mob draws protesters to mall
Nearly 100 people sang and danced in a flash mob round dance at West Edmonton Mall on Wednesday afternoon, the latest action in the Idle No More movement.
The aboriginal dance took place at the Ice Palace inside the mall on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Those taking part gathered in support of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s hunger strike, which began Dec. 11 in protest of federal omnibus budget Bill C-45, which natives say challenges their treaty rights.
“I’m out here for my son,” said Fawn Wood of the Saddle Lake First Nation. “It doesn’t just affect us, it affects all of Canada. As First Nations people, it’s our obligation to protect our land, not just for First Nations, but for all of Canada.”
Drumming began at noon as participants around the ice rink sang and cheered.
“This is not only for the natives; it’s going to affect everybody,” said Violet Campio from the Driftpile First Nation.
Spence, of a northern Ontario First Nation, has been camped on an island in the Ottawa River near Parliament Hill.
She has said she will not end her hunger strike until Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston meet with aboriginal leaders.
“This is part of our saying we will be heard and we will support you in your endeavours to be heard,” elder Taz Bouchier said Wednesday at the round dance. “Stephen Harper needs to wake up, because this is not going to stop.”
The flash mob was just one of several Idle No More actions Wednesday.
Sturgeon Lake First Nation held a blockade from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Highway 43. Valleyview RCMP said there were no alternate routes on the highway. In Fort McMurray, a round dance was held in Peter Pond Mall.
“These are peaceful demonstrations at this time,” Bouchier said. “Right now, we’re not angry. We’re just asking for recognition of what is legally ours.”
Spence received a visit from federal Liberal leadership candidate Justin Trudeau Wednesday.
“It was deeply moving to meet (Theresa Spence) today. She is willing to sacrifice everything for her people. She shouldn’t have to,” Trudeau wrote on Twitter.
Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan wrote Spence Tuesday offering to establish a joint working group that “would serve as a forum for clarifying the treaty relationship and exploring ways of addressing First Nations’ constitutional rights.”
Those who attended the round dance Wednesday said Harper had to meet with Spence directly.
“Until he goes and meets with Chief Spence, this will continue, road blocks will continue,” Boucher said. “It’s OK to be loud.”