One year ago, four women in Saskatchewan began exchanging emails about the Harper Governments omnibus budget Bill C-45, better known as the Jobs and Growth Act, which had just been introduced in Ottawa. Jessica Gordon, Sheelah McLean, Sylvia McAdams and Nina Wilson were concerned the bill would erode indigenous rights. They decided to organize an event in Saskatoon, set for Nov. 10, and to help spread the word they turned to Facebook. They chose to call the page “Idle No More” as a motivational slogan.
Bill C-45 changes legislation contained in 64 acts or regulations. The acts that most concern the Idle No More movement and many other groups are changes to the Indian Act, Navigation Protection Act (former Navigable Waters Protection Act) and Environmental Assessment Act. In addition to the changes, those involved in the movement were angered by what they call a lack of consultation with indigenous peoples. The movement has also expresses concern about other acts and bills from the Harper government, all of which if passed into law, could seriously jeopardize indigenous peoples culture and heritage.
The speaker will draw attention to questionable conduct displayed by Governments, both provincial and federal. Peaceful actions by the Elsipogtog First Nations peoples in New Brunswick to protect their unceded territory from shale gas exploration, using fracking, was allegedly violated during the recent violent confrontation involving the RCMP, who acted on a Court of Queen’s Bench injunction. The court later lifted Southwestern Energy’s (SWN) injunction. The original injunction was filed by the Texas based company to end the blockade protecting Mi’kmaq traditional territory from fracking.
Speaker: Lori Brave Rock
Lori Brave Rock is an enrolled member of both the Blood Tribe here in Alberta and the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana; both tribes are a part of the Blackfoot Confederacy which extends up to Calgary and beyond. She is a self-employed stained glass artist and an activist within the Idle No More movement.
Raised traditionally, Lori learned the importance of the relationship Blackfoot people have with their lands, waters, plants and animals and their sacred place within this culture. In the spirit of First Nations as the true stewards of the lands and waters, she urges everyone to become educated on the many environmental issues facing us, including fracking and to take an active role protecting all that we hold dear for the benefit of future generations.
Moderator: Christina Cuthbertson
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2013
Time: Noon - 1:30 PM
Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S
Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)