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The shíshálh Nation gathered with obvious pride and strength on Friday, January 4 in their first Idle No More protest. There was a lot of support from the entire community of the Sunshine Coast. An estimated 450-500 people of all ages attended the rally.
Emotions ran high along with the drums and singing as people gathered at the Band office. The crowd followed the drummers and young “Bow and Arrows” men along the highway to the Band land at Tsain Ko Centre where there was a sacred fire aflame.
Band member Robert Joe told the crowd that “the fire is to call upon the ancestors to be with us today” and he thanked everyone,elders and young people' “for being here and doing our job,”. He said that
” Bill C-45 would give the government free reign to take our fresh water and resources and we cannot let that happen”.
Hereditary Chief Calvin Craigan told the crowd that “we will continue the struggle until we have recognition and oppression is no longer”.
Chief Garry Feschuck said this was a grass-roots movement and the people had told Council this is what they wanted to do. “These omibus bills effect everyone, said the Chief. If Harper doesn't take some real action then this will just accelerate.”
Participants in the march expressed their feelings and reasons for being there:
Darius of the Kitselas Band: “I am here because of Bill C-45 and the Enbridge pipeline which will cross our traditional territory that has some of the best rivers in the country”.
Radhika of the Metis - “I am moved by the dancing, singing and drumming. I come here to tell Mother Earth how sorry I am for what we have done to her. This is very moving today”.
Arlene Jeffries of the shíshálh Band - “ I am back home after 47 years gone. I am happy to be here today and say there is no place like home”.
Young “Bow and Arrow” Man - “We wear the red bandanas today to symbolize the Red Nation standing together as one, showing strength and solidarity”.
The Harper government has announced that the Prime Minister would meet with a delegation of First Nations Chiefs on January 11. Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence says she will join them but will continue her fast until the meeting.
There is discussion now among the Canada First Nations about a nation-wide one-day protest. This could possibly stop all commerce and trade across the nation. Meanwhile Idle No More continues rallies across the country and around the world.