Elsipogtog First Nation considers day of action
The Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick is contemplating whether it will join other communities for a national day of action this Wednesday as part of the Idle No More movement.
Community members of the Elsipogtog First Nation were called to a special meeting on Saturday.
Band councillor Everett Sanipass said they have a big decision to make.
"[It's a] planning session on what steps we're going to take as Elsipogtog. What we feel that needs to be done in support of the whole movement."
Organizer Keora Doucette said it's up to the community to decide if it will set up a blockade in New Brunswick.
"We need to talk to everybody else, get everybody's opinion and their input and let their voices be heard too," she said.
Doucette said blockades, marches and other Idle No More events have allowed her community to talk about pertinent issues.
Sanipass said all Canadians should be concerned about treaty and environmental rights.
"We need to be united. The people have to realize, native or non-native, it will affect everybody if they go through with this Bill C-45," he said.
Saturday's meeting is only for community members. There are roughly 3,100 people living on the Elsipogtog First Nation in eastern New Brunswick.
Earlier this month CN Rail served members of the Elsipogtog First Nation a court injunction to stop picketing on their railways.
The blockade was in support for Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence, who has been subsisting only on tea and fish broth for over a month.
The Idle No More movement started about two months ago. The movement’s mission statement reads, "Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honours and fulfils Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water."
