Protesters stay encamped at federal building
It’s been almost a month since a small group of protesters pitched their tents outside a federal building in Regina.
The group calls itself the Colonialism No More Solidarity Camp.
There was very little activity Friday morning. The tables and food that once lined the street have been moved into a larger white tent equipped with a generator. The number of tents has decreased from nine to six and the tents are covered in tarps to protect them from inclement weather conditions.
Although some people were onsite, they were not visible from the street and passing motorists did not honk in support.
The camp-out protest began on April 15 with a peaceful demonstration organized at 1827 Albert Street where the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada building is located.
Originally, it was to show support for Attawapiskat, a northern Ontario First Nation, that declared a state of emergency after a rash of youth suicide attempts. At the time, similar protests happened in Toronto, Gatineau, Winnipeg and Vancouver. On April 22, the Occupy INAC protesters left he building after the youth from Attawapiskat indicated they were satisfied with the federal government’s response.
However, the group in Regina decided to continue with their peaceful protest because it wanted INAC to address the issues facing local First Nation communities.
Sue Deranger, member of the Colonialism No More Solidarity Camp, said on Friday it was Day 26 and things were going great.
She said the group has no plans of leaving the site any time soon.
Deranger said the group’s initial demands were met by INAC officials in Regina.
When the protesters set up camp on the property, INAC shut down its office for a couple days. When employees returned a couple days after the start of the protest, INAC locked its doors to the public, and they remained closed for almost two weeks.
Deranger said the group demanded INAC open its doors and continue to serve the First Nations, which it did.
The group also wanted a meeting with INAC officials, which did happen and continues to happen.
The members want INAC to disclose specific information, which is being doled out very slowly.
“We want an environmental scan of each community,” she said.
Deranger wants to know the condition of every First Nation when it comes to housing, health, boil water advisories and infrastructure.
The group wants the information so that everyone — including the public — can have a clearer picture of what each community has to deal with on a daily basis and to find out what needs to be done to rectify the situation.
Deranger said the group also wants information on what is spent by INAC to deliver on-reserve services as well as its human resource processes.
She said the core group of 12 members remain determined to stay until they are satisfied. Deranger said there are people at the camps around the clock. She said support from the community remains strong.