In Ottawa, a chief is slowly dying waiting for a Prime Minister’s call, her hunger strike telling the story of contracts — treaties — supporters believe have been starved of the significance they held when they were signed.
In Winnipeg, hundreds huddled on the steps of the Legislature against the crying December cold, calling out for justice for missing women, living children and entire Nations alike. And clear across the country — in Edmonton, in Saskatoon, on the highways that braid the land — indigenous people and their allies are rallying, blockading, holding signs up to the sky and demanding to be heard.
As the Idle No More movement enters its third week, grassroots organizers across the country have started taking their message to the heart of the holiday shopping season: malls. From West Edmonton Mall to Saskatoon’s Midtown Plaza and more, hundreds and thousands of Idle No More supporters have staged giant round-dances to draw attention to the movement.
In Winnipeg, photographer Howard Wong was on-hand to snap the scene as thousands converged on Polo Park Mall on Saturday evening, Dec. 22, to sing, drum, and dance in support of Idle No More. He shared some of his photos with Spectator Tribune.
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Learn more about Idle No More
After two full weeks of protests, rallies, hunger strikes and highway blockades, it’s clear that Idle No More is here to stay. But as the movement picks up its pace, the complexity of the issues has left many observers struggling to understand: what is this movement all about? What does it aim to accomplish? And what makes this latest push for change different than ones in the past?
Here, some top sources about Idle No More from around the web:
âpihtawikosisân — The Natives Are Restless. Wondering Why?
Wab Kinew — Idle No More Is Not Just “An Indian Thing.”
A comprehensive list of issues impacting indigenous people in Bill C-45.
Idle No More’s official site.
Idle No More’s national Facebook page.
Taiaiake Alfred and Tobold Rollo’s pamphlet detailing specific recommendations to restore Canada’s relationship with its indigenous Nations.
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