Idle No More group shuts down US crossing in Cornwall
Posted Jan 5, 2013 05:26:49 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Cornwall, ON – The “Idle No More” movement shut down the US border crossing in Cornwall for over four hours on Saturday, as about 350 people demonstrated.
Protesters from the Akwesasne reserve, which sandwiches the border, came together to march on the Seaway International bridge.
“We’re here to oppose Bill C-45 because as … the original people that were put on this land by the creator, it’s our job to protect the land,” said demonstrator Jose Verdugo.
The protest was one of many to show the mounting frustration with the Canadian government and solidarity with Chief Theresa Spence.
Spence has been on a hunger strike on Victoria Island since December 11th, to secure a meeting between the Prime Minister, the Governor General and First Nations Chiefs.
The “Idle No More” movement echoes Spence’s belief that the omnibus bill threatens aboriginal rights.
After marching the demonstrators gathered at the foot of the toll bridge for dancing, drumming and a line-up of speakers.
“I feel better now that we did this and that we can move forward and ease tensions,” said protester Miranda Conners.
“That’s what this all about. And people need to recognize that.”
