‘Idle No More’ is not just a simple phrase that was meant to stir ‘pity-me’ emotions and/or pick up moral support. But to put it into a better perspective, it is a well-stated phrase for hyping up collective action, a united stance, total commitment, and a call for Native women and First Nations to rise and be heard in a collective voice and be provided due rights and respect as accorded to other Canadians.
The down-to-earth phrasing and the originality of the words in the phrase are truly stirring, phenomenal and more, totally energizing, as can be attested by the reception and acceptance of it in many nations around the world within a scant four-week period.
Spearheading the movement is Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation in Ontario who is currently undergoing a hunger strike for the cause, has requested the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, to visit her frigid teepee campsite on Victoria Island on the Ottawa River, located directly behind the Parliament Building, to discuss the many concerns, repeated injuries and injustices suffered for years by indigenous nations across the country. Note: To date, (three weeks) Prime Minister Harper has not responded to Chief Spence’s request for meeting.
The ‘Idle No More’ movement has now gained a global dimension as rallies for native cause and support have arisen in every continent around the world, and in the meantime, stripping away the ‘cloak of shame and injustice’ Canada has wrapped around indigenous peoples during the past five centuries.
Native people of Canada are saying through this movement that ‘enough is enough’ and are collectively taking steps to remedy their conditions and situations through this world-watched indigenous movement.
In no uncertain terms therefore, the ‘Idle No More’ movement is fundamentally making a universal claim and statement that the “Day of Reckoning” is finally upon us. We, the first people vs. Govt. of Canada must proceed with utmost clarity and certainty to deal prudently and effectively with the past wrongs, injustices and inequities, while at the same time, pledge to adhere to truth, honesty, respect and balance of justice for the good and preservation of the Seventh Generation.
Nid Layig!