Talks to end Idle No More protests reach critical stage
Posted Jan 23, 2013 7:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Sources say negotiations to get Chief Theresa Spence to end her six week hunger protest are underway in the nation’s capital.
The Idle No More icon has been denying herself solid food in an attempt to get the Prime Minister and Governor General to meet with First Nations groups.
A delegation that includes Liberal Leader Bob Rae is pushing to find a dignified solution that would return her to Attawapiskat.
Besides Rae, Northern Ontario Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and confidantes of Spence are said to make up the party.
The talks are said to be fragile and members of the group are hopeful they could see a resolution as soon as Thursday.
They also want to define a process that would allow for Spence’s recovery.
Thursday is also the day that Spence and the Assembly of First Nations had asked the Prime Minister and Governor General to hold a broad meeting with the country’s chiefs.
Stephen Harper and David Johnston have not agreed to the meeting.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan says Johnston will not be at the next set of talks because he is not a policy maker and has so far been very generous in his ceremonial role.
Here in Alberta, a First Nations leader has joined emergency services, including the RCMP, in asking protestors to stay off Highway 63.
Mikisew Creek Chief Steve Courtoreille signed an open letter that says all Canadians have the right to peaceful freedom of expression, but that has to be balanced with the need to maintain public safety.
It also says one or two individuals cannot be allowed to jeopardize the health and safety of citizens.
Athabasca Chipewyan Chief Allan Adam suggested earlier this month there could be larger road blocks on the entrance to the oilsands if no progress was made.
