Idle No More protests block New Brunswick roadways
First Nations people blocked roads and highways across New Brunswick on Friday as part of the Canada-wide Idle No More movement, protesting the federal government's omnibus budget Bill C-45.
In Fredericton, several members of the St. Mary's First Nation blocked a road on the city's north side. They beat drums and chanted.
About a dozen people from the Woodstock First Nation also demonstrated, waving signs with messages to the Harper government at passing motorists.
People from Elsibogtog First Nation also made a stand, proudly displaying First Nation flags.
Outside Perth-Andover, along the Trans-Canada Highway, members of the Tobique First Nation voiced their outrage at Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
"We're opposing Harper's dictatorship in terms of attacking our treaties with this Bill C-45," said Tina Perley-Martin.
She said the issue goes much further than just a native rights issue. She says everyone should be concerned.
"There's strength in unity and across Turtle Island right now, all nations are coming together and we have the support of non-natives, which is awesome," said Perley-Martin.
"I mean, you see the cars going by here and they're blowing the horns you know and giving us the high five and thumbs up and that's good."
First Nations people contend Bill C-45 violates their treaty rights and weakens environmental laws.
The bill proposes significant changes to the federal Indian Act, including changes to land management on reserves that would make it easier for the federal government to control reserve land. It will also mean fewer protected waterways.
Those involved in Idle No More have said they are upset about the effects of federal policies on their communities, and the government's habit of making changes to the Indian Act without consulting aboriginal people first.
The movement began with the Chief of the Attawapiskat First Nations in northern Ontario. Theresa Spence began protesting the bill on Dec. 11 by going on a hunger strike. Now, First Nations people across the country are showing their support.
Earlier this week in New Brunswick, several dozen First Nations people briefly blocked entrances to the legislature in Fredericton.
"People are feeling the need to step up because it's time for us to have our voice heard and to be Idle No More," said Julian Moulton.
"I feel that for the last few years, native people have been too quiet and have been too passive as to what's going on with the government," he said.
Moulton and others say there will be more protests until they can get Harper to meet with First Nations people and reverse the bill.
