Idle No More movement stages national day of protest National Chief urges Canadians to 'stand with us' Why ‘Idle No More’ is gaining strength, and why all Canadians should care

22/21 - 12-2012

NWAC KLIK

Chief  Theresa Spence
on Parliament Hill







 

Why ‘Idle No More’ is gaining strength, and why all Canadians should care

 Jeff Denis
The Star

 
 First, it is a matter of social and environmental justice. When corporate profit is privileged over the health of our lands and waters, we all suffer. When government stifles debate, democracy is diminished. Bill C-45 is just the latest in a slew of legislation that undermines Canadians’ rights. In standing against it, the First Nations are standing for us too. Second, as Justice Linden of the Ipperwash Inquiry said, “we are all treaty people.”

When our governments unilaterally impose legislation on the First Nations, they dishonour the Crown, they dishonour us, and they dishonour our treaty relationship. We are responsible for ensuring that our governments fulfill their commitments.

If our governments do not respect Indigenous and treaty rights, then the very legitimacy of the Canadian state — and thus of all our citizenship rights — is in doubt.
That’s what Idle No More is about.

So, yes, Harper should meet with Spence.

But a meeting alone will not suffice.
 Change requires action. It requires a shift in public consciousness. It requires all of us being there, Dec. 21 and beyond, to “live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work toward justice in action, and protect Mother Earth”.  

Jeff Denis is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at McMaster University.