Spence ends hunger strike

After a brief visit to the hospital, Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence spoke to the media on January 24 to mark the conclusion of her hunger strike. Spence, who has been consuming nothing but fish broth and herbal tea for the last six weeks, began the strike as a way to get a meeting with the Prime Minister and the Governor General. She ended the fast at the prompting of many of Canada's First Nations chiefs and the drawing up of 13-point declaration that will seek to improve relations between First Nations peoples and the federal government going forward. Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo also returned from a medical absence to speak on the occasion.