WHAT DO YOU THINK OF IDLE NO MORE?
Karl Hill
Lives and works on Six Nations “It’s a good thing, and a long time coming. The government has to deal with natives fairly by getting their input on issues, and there is usually no input from natives. Bill C-45 is the biggest thing. Treaties have been signed, the government and natives need to be partners, listen to each other, but that’s not happening.”
Phyllis Sandy
Retired resident
“I’m all for it. I’m for it 100 per cent. It’s not for me, though, I’ve lived my life. What they are fighting for? It’s for my grandchildren.”
Clint Atkins
Diner manager
“Honestly, I’m not really following
it much, but it’s a great cause, and if they need me, I’m there. I support the cause for the environmental factors. Our land is getting raped … and some of those reserves up north, the secluded ones, I’ve been there. They are living in Third World conditions.”
Star Martin
Tobacco shop employee “I married a native man. I think the movement is great. We need to do something, and need more people like the lady who is doing the hunger strike. Natives need to get the land back, and what the government owes them.”
Rob Hill
Long-haul truck driver
“It’s a good start and the right thing
to do. People are tired of being pushed around … but why should someone have to starve themselves to get the government to see you? It’s not right. The government pushes you into a corner.”
Donna Powless
Educator
“It’s a good thing because people need to speak up and let the government know about Bill C-45, and changes to the Indian Act, with respect to treaty rights, land issues, that affect our people today. If the people remain silent, they are sending a message with their silence that how they are being treated is OK.”
Mark Hill
Elected band council representative “I like the unity part of it; we are one nation. We have to come together as one or else the government will walk all over us … But while we have a battle with the government over Bill C-45, we need to get educated on if, or how, it affects us.” Chief Arnold General An Onondaga traditional hereditary chief
“I think it’s a wake-up call to hu
manity. It’s about an awareness of Bill C-45 and what will happen to your people as well as mine. There are large implications if it goes through. Too many things are going through the House of Commons without our knowledge, violating laws that were signed a long time ago … The old-timers said when the forest is gone, when the water is gone, what will you have left?”