Oily Chiefs, Idle No More, and the AFN

by Zig Zag, Warrior Publications, January 17, 2013

To fully understand the phenomenon of Idle No More, you must imagine two parallel universes. In one, INM is comprised of good-hearted grassroots Native people responding to a call to oppose Bill C-45 and to protect the land and water of their traditional territories. In the other, however, are chiefs using the mobilization to achieve their political & economic agenda, an agenda that includes partnering with corporations seeking to exploit oil and gas resources on reserve lands.

Cross-Canada Indigenous Blockades Highlight Idle No More Tactics’ Tensions

David P. Ball, Indian Country Today, January 16, 2013

Grassroots warriors at Idle No More rally in Ottawa, Dec 21, 2012.

Today’s plans for cross-country blockades to disrupt Canada’s economy and infrastructure are revealing tensions within both the Idle No More movement and aboriginal leadership in the country, sparking debate over what tactics are appropriate in the quest for Native self-determination and who gets to police that line.

AFN’s fault lines magnified by Idle No More movement, Attawapiskat Chief Spence’s protest

By Jorge Barrera, APTN National News, Jan 15, 2013

AFN grand thief Atleo with his benefactors, First Nations-Crown Summit, Jan 2012.

Moments after Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo announced he was following his doctor’s orders and taking a temporary leave of absence, emails started to fly between some First Nations leaders and political staff discussing whether it was time for him to step down.

Chief Spence vows to continue hunger strike after GG meeting

PM’s meeting with AFN chiefs said to ‘move the goalposts’

Indian Act chief Theresa Spence, in headdress, meets with Governor-General, Jan 11, 2013.

CBC News, Jan 11, 2013

Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence vowed to remain on a hunger strike, shortly after she and about 100 other chiefs attended a ceremonial event with the Governor General at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Idle No More movement urged to remain grassroots ahead of Jan 11 protests

Stephen Harper meeting not the end of Idle No More, local organizer says

by Stephen Hui, Georgia Straight, Jan 9, 2013

Art by Andy Everson, Kwakwaka’wakw.

Although Prime Minister Stephen Harper is preparing to meet with a delegation of First Nations chiefs on Friday (January 11), a long-time indigenous activist says this should not be viewed as a success for the Idle No More movement.

Chief’s Jan 11 meeting with Prime Minister begins to unravel

Gloria Galloway, The Globe and Mail, Wednesday, Jan. 09 2013

As old as colonialism: chiefs appealing to the colonial master for more money and power

First nations chiefs who are crafting their agenda for a meeting later this week with Prime Minister Stephen Harper are angered to learn that Mr. Harper may attend the event for just a half hour at the beginning of the talks and another half hour at the end.

Indigenous Grassroots & the Indian Act Band Council

by Zig Zag, Warrior Publications, January 7, 2013

Debates arising from the recent Idle No More movement have revealed two main interpretations of what comprises the grassroots.  One seeks to exclude band councils, while the other views chiefs & councillors as an integral part of the grassroots, simply by virtue of them being members of the community.  Clearly, we need some basic understanding of what constitutes the grassroots in order to advance our movement.

Prime Minister Agrees to Meet Indian Act Chiefs on Jan. 11, 2013

CBC News, Jan 4, 2013

Chief Theresa Spence, centre.

Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence says she will join a “working meeting” between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and a delegation of First Nations chiefs, but is not ready to give up her hunger strike.

Spence made the announcement from Victoria Island just north of Ottawa, where she has been conducting a hunger strike that is now in its 25th day.

War of the Words: chiefs issue ultimatums as grassroots dance in circles

by Zig Zag, Warrior Publications, January 4, 2013

Flash mob in Edmonton mall, December 2012.

There are three entities currently struggling for control over the grassroots Native mobilization that has spread across the country: the Idle No More’s  (INM) middle-class founders, Indian Act chiefs, and chief Spence herself.  It is in our interests as grassroots people that all of them fail in their efforts and that the autonomous, decentralized self-organization of our movement become more widespread.

‘We believe our future is at stake,’ Idle-No-More movement founder Tanya Kappo says

Christopher Curtis, National Post/Postmedia News, Dec 21, 2012

Idle No More rally in Ottawa on Dec 21, 2012.

OTTAWA – Native protesters across Canada pounded their drums in unison Friday demanding treaty negotiations between Ottawa and aboriginal chiefs throughout the country.

Supporters of the 18 Idle No More rallies staged throughout the continent say their resistance to the Harper Government is just beginning. Many have said they will block roads, continue marching and, in the most extreme cases, refuse to recognize the budget bill that has galvanized frustrations within the aboriginal community.