Dear Canada

The grassroots Idle No More movement is in opposition of Omnibus Bill C-45 and other Bills recently passed by the Conservative government. Bill C-45 delists MILLIONS of lakes and rivers from federal protection. Waters consumed by Canadians of all demographics. It also makes changes to the Indian Act, a piece of legislation that gives legal boundaries in which First Nations can operate. These changes threaten the treaties signed over the last 200 years between the Crown and First Nations leaders. These treaties gave authority to the Crown to make decisions regarding the land in exchange for: the reserves, access to medicines, education, tax exemption ON RESERVE, and $5/year for many band members.

It was agreed upon that these treaties are in effect "as long as the sun shines, the rivers flow, and the grass grows" and any changes to them must be approved by First Nations leaders and the Crown. Bill C-45 makes these changes WITHOUT CONSULTATION OF FIRST NATIONS LEADERS.

Though these changes are minor, releasing bands from needing a certain quota of band members to decide to surrender reserve lands, and making it easier for the Minister to call for such a meeting, that is not the point. Whether you steal a dollar or steal a million dollars, you're still stealing. Changes to the Indian Act are coming without consultation.

This is not the only issue. Reserves across Canada are suffering with substandard living conditions such as dishevelled housing, boil water alerts, poor education and learning conditions, and sedentary life styles. These factors make this battle multifaceted.

The government's response to the third world living conditions has been minimal. Their efforts play on our emotions by apologizing for past hurts. At the time of the apology survivors of Residential schools needed it.

Housing crises in many Aboriginal communities have led Chief of Attawapiskat First Nation Theresa Spence to take on a hunger strike on 11 December 2012 requesting a meeting with Harper and the representative of the Crown to discuss the conditions of her community and standards across Canada. Theresa Spence has stated that she is willing to die for her people. Harper and Johnston have remained silent over the matter. Aboriginal Affairs minister John Duncan has offered to meet with Spence but he is not included in the request.

Our stand has been in rallies that have numbered in the thousands in almost every major city in Canada (you may have read about them in the paper), and in many smaller towns and villages. We've also put up road blocks on highways and railroads to get our message out. We've also coordinated flash mob round dances in malls across Canada. All of these rallies, roadblocks, and round dances have been done peacefully and with the consent and support of the police and mall securities. In many cases, each event is preceded by ceremony to ensure they remain peaceful.

Idle No More's statement to the Harper government is "we will not allow these changes to be made" and many bands across Canada have issued statements saying they will not recognize the Bill. The movement has sparked worldwide support, people in the U.S, Mexico, New Zealand, Hawai'i, United Kingdom, Sweden, India, Australia and the United Nations of Aboriginal Australians, Palestine, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, and Egypt have joined us in support of our movement.

The Aboriginal people of Canada have supported the country many times in the past. During the War of 1812, First Nations warriors sided with either the French or the British and it was the valour, knowledge of the land, the sheer numbers of First Nations warriors, and the leadership of Tecumseh that helped the British win the war.

Large contingents of First Nations soldiers fought for Canada and British forces in the South African War.

Over 4000 First Nations soldiers, including one of my family members, fought in World War One, over 50 of them received medals for their valour. What's more, First Nations people were not included in the requirement of enlisting in war. They went willingly.

Again exempt from compulsory service in battle, First Nations soldiers numbered 3000+ including 72 female First Nations  soldiers and two of my family members, fought in World War Two in every major theatre with 17 medals awarded for their valour.

In both WWI and WWII First Nations bands donated monies to the Red Cross and the Canadian Military when they didn't have to.

An unknown number of voluntary soldiers enlisted to fight along side Canadian soldiers in Korea, but we have a good idea of how many enlisted by the 500+ First Nations soldiers who gave their life in battle.

Aboriginal soldiers have also fought in wars since: Persian Gulf, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. All voluntarily.

You see, up to now our people have stood side by side with the rest of Canada in almost every major theatre of war since Canada was established. Voluntarily. So please, join us in peace as we have joined you in war. Join us in solidarity against Bill C-45 as it impacts your health as it does ours.

Please see www.idlenomore.ca for more information on how you can join us in our stand against Harper.