APTN reports, “The Sandy Bay First Nation in Manitoba plans to shutdown the Trans-Canada Highway with vehicles Saturday in what they’re calling a peaceful protest against the federal government and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The blockade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Hwy. 1 and Hwy 16. It is expected to end at 5 p.m. Over 250 people have said they are going on a Facebook event page that has been set up. It’s called Road Block. Sandy Bay is about 180 Km northwest of Winnipeg.”
Organizer Tricia Beaulieu says this is a protest against Stephen Harper, and in support of both Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence and the Idle No More movement. The Facebook event page says, “First Nations are concerned over changes to the Indian Act, some of which may affect the leasing of reserve lands and how decisions involving band territories are made. First Nations are also opposed to amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act, which removed thousands of lakes and streams from federal protection under that law, something the Conservatives said would help remove red tape that held up projects along waterways.”
The APTN article also notes, “Another demonstration is planned for Sunday by the Stoney Nakoda First Nation in Morley, Alberta. They intend to shut down one lane of Hwy. 1 but they say they were told by the RCMP if they attempt to block both lanes they will be arrested. …The community held a meeting Wednesday night with about 50 people in attendance. They expect several hundred people to show up.”
The Council of Canadians has expressed support for Idle No More, http://canadians.org/blog/?p=18409; Chief Theresa Spence, http://canadians.org/blog/?p=18436; and our opposition to the loss of protection for water under C-45, http://canadians.org/blog/?p=18415.
