First Nations Protest Peacefully in Northwestern Ontario on Highway and Alongside Railway

Written by admin on 07 January 2013

Ojibways of the Pic River First Nations protest peacefully alongside the CP Railway in Heron Bay Ontario; inside the tipee Chief Roy Michano discusses the issues at hand with elders and other community members. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

Peaceful protestors from Pic River First Nations. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com 2013

Protestors message is clear and concise at the Pic River protest. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com 2013

NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO – Saturday, January 5th members of the Pic River and Pic Mobert First Nations showed their support of Attawapiskat First Nations Chief Theresa Spence and the Idle No More Movement with peaceful protests near their communities.

Ojibways of the Pic River First Nations had a tipee ereced next to the CP Rail near their community inside which members and elders discussed the issues at hand with Chief Roy Michano. OntarioNewsNorth.com Editor Karina Hunter spoke with Chief Michano regarding the day’s protest and plans to travel to Ottawa to speak with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Cheif Theresa Spence. Chief Michano voiced frustrations with both the Prime Minister and the federal government. Chief Michano and others from Pic River First Nations were discussing travelling to Ottawa to visit Chief Spence and potentially meet with Prime Minister Harper though the Chief made it clear that he wanted more from the Prime Minister than just an appearance “There [mtg in Ottawa] we will see if Harper really is serious or is he going to give us more bullshit, I believe that we [Ojibways of the Pic River First Nations] will not tolerate anymore nonsense from the government” said Chief Michano who said he planned to travel to Ottawa with a delegation from Pic River Friday January 18th, 2013.

Pic Mobert First Nations protestors on Highway 17 in White River Ontario offered travellers pamphlets with more information regarding their cause. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

Pic Mobert First Nations protestors perform a circle dance on Highway 17 in White River Ontario. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com 2013

A plethora of signs held by protestors offered passers-by details of the issues at hand. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com 2013

Approximately an hour East from the Pic River First Nations protest, on Highway 17 in White River Ontario, Pic Mobert First Nations members and Cheif Johanna Desmoulin were also protesting peacefully, at times throughout the afternoon halting traffic in both directions on the busy transcanadian corridor. The protestors, joined by some of their neighbours from White River, performed traditional circle dances hand in hand offering cries of unity and cheers of “Idle No More” (see video below).

Chief Johanna Desmoulin stressed in her messages that the issues they were gathered to raise awareness of were problems that faced both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians “That’s what this rally is all about, basically educating the general public your [average] Canadian” said Chief Desmoulin “This is not all about just our Treaty Rights, it’s about the way you [non-aboriginals] live too. Bill C-45 [and] how it’s going to affect you in terms of the water; when the water is gone and not looked after, not protected – you can’t drink money – you have to drink water, water is sacred”.

Chief Desmoulin felt that their message was being heard saying she appreciated the willingness and interest of travellers to accept pamphlets the protestors were offering. She also confirmed her continued support of Chief Theresa Spence’s efforts “When the call comes I will be going” said Chief Desmoulin in regards to the question of travelling to support Chief Spence.

MORE INFO

: Protestors message is clear and concise at the Pic River protest. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com 2013

: Peaceful protestors from Pic River First Nations. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com 2013

: Ojibways of the Pic River First Nations protest peacefully alongside the CP Railway in Heron Bay Ontario; inside the tipee Chief Roy Michano discusses the issues at hand with elders and other community members. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com