Halifax, Millbrook, Canso Causeway

Idle NO MORE: Mi'kma'ki Rally of Solidarity

Friday December 21 2012 (All day)

-NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION-

IDLE NO MORE HALIFAX Press Conference & Gathering
Date: Friday, Dec. 21st
Time: 9-11am 
Location: World Trade Convention Center (1800 Arygle Street, Halifax)

Calling all Community Members, Singers, Dancers, Youth Groups, Student Councils, Chief and Councils, and all Aboriginal people of Mi'kma'ki to join together in Solidarity and have a peaceful protest in Millbrook and the Canso Causeway on Friday, December 21st at 1pm. We need to show that we're strong and united as a Mi'kmaq Nation, that we're willing to fight for our rights, and that we fully support our brothers and sisters who will be standing in solidarity across Canada this day! This is open to everyone: Aboriginal as well as our non-Aboriginal friends and allies. (idlenomore.ca). 

Date: Friday, Dec 21st (National Day of ACTION across Canada)

Millbrook Location: Off the highway between 7am-4pm
Canso Causeway: Mainland side of Causeway between 10am-4pm
Contacts: shelley.a.young@gmail.com
molly.peters01@gmail.com

Bring Your Signs And Flags.. Bill C-45 Affects Us All! PROTECT OUR RIGHTS!! OUR TREATIES!! 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec.19, 2012

HALIFAX- Members of the Mi’kmaq Nation, Halifax residents, and student activists are outraged at the latest Conservative budget bill and its impacts on First Nations People.

“These changes are unconstitutional and take away our inherent treaty rights”, said Mi’kmaq organizer Shelley Young, to a large group of concerned citizens gathered at Parade Square for the Halifax Rally in Solidarity movement, Idle No More. “We won’t stand by and let this happen. It is time to come together in peaceful coalition to speak out against Bill C-45.”

Shelley along with Molly Peters, and Marina Young, mobilized the Halifax Chapter for the Idle No More movement when social media garnered attention to the growing fear that many Aboriginal communities and lands may be in danger yet again. More specifically, a call to Canada is needed. “This bill is a cancer to the Canadian Charter of Constitutional Rights. If we are the target now, who’s next?” said Marina. Direct impact on Mi’kmaq communities in the Atlantic region include imposition of water boil orders, prohibited hunting and fishing, community land rights and hindered traditional ideals which would remove importance of culture from the generations to come.

The Idle No More solidarity march and rally commenced Friday last week in Halifax, following the route taken by Treaty Day supporters, as the youth of the Atlantic region led a peaceful protest to vocalize their refusal of the Conservative government’s disregard for Aboriginal rights. Cause for environmental concern is crucial when considering the impact that specific points in the bill propose, namely the protection of Canadian lakes and water ways. Further, amendments to the Fisheries Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and the Canada Labour Code increase concern for environmental issues and human rights issues as well.

“I’m here in support of my Mi’kmaq neighbors,” said Erin Wunker, professor of English and Canadian Studies at Dalhousie University. “Bill C-45 is an infringement on Aboriginal treaty rights, it is damaging to the environment and it demonstrates our current government’s clear disrespect for Aboriginal rights and Canada’s future.”

The women and youth organizers emphasize the peaceful and collaborative nature of Idle No More, but are unwavering in their critique of Mr. Harper and his Government. “This is a question of respecting the future” and Bill C-45 does not respect the future of any Canadian.”

IDLE No More Halifax will be holding a Press Conference on Friday, December 21 at the World Trade Convention Center (1800 Argyle Street, Halifax) from 9-11am. All persons concerned with the damages and impacts this bill will have on Canada’s lakes and water ways, Canada’s Labour Code and Aboriginal treaty rights is urged to attend.

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