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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A small but dedicated group of protesters marched down Franklin Avenue on Monday afternoon to express opposition to recent federal legislation they say undermines treaty rights and the authority of aboriginal people.

Grey Gritt holds a protest sign on Franklin Avenue during an Idle No More demonstration, as Goota Ashoona looks on. - Laura Busch/NNSL photo

The protest was part of the national Idle No More movement, in which public marches were planned by First Nations groups in Vancouver, Whitehorse, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Sask., Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Ont., Toronto, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., and other communities on Dec. 10.

"We stand on the path of our ancestors and hold strong to our nation to nation relationships though Treaty 8 and 11. The Dene have always been and continue to be sovereign people," said Melaw Nakehk'o, as she addressed the crowd with her critique of Bill C-45, the federal government's omnibus budget bill which includes amendments to the Indian Act, among other legislative items.

"The passage of these bills is another colonial act that speaks to a small segment of society. Changes to any legislation must be conducted in the spirit and intent of our treaties with both nations having equal say. This legislation represents another attempt by the Canadian state to undermine indigenous sovereignty and the inherent right to land and resources of First Nations people."

The protest started off sparse, with about seven participants leaving from the Dene Nation building on 50 Street. More joined in as the group made its way along Franklin Avenue to the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development building, where Nakehk'o gave her public address.

The marchers demonstrated their commitment as the temperature dropped to -46 C with windchill over the noon hour, according to Environment Canada.

"I might lose a toe but at least someday hopefully my kids will have clean water," Kiera Kolson told Yellowknifer.

Kolson said she took inspiration for the event from one of her mentors, who told her, "They promised us as long as the grass grows and the river flows and the sun shines. But if they stop the grass from growing, the sun from shining and the rivers from flowing, that's when we have to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves."

Frustrations voiced during the protest were wide ranging. Some of the issues raised during the event included a lack of respect on the part of the federal government for aboriginal treaty rights and First Nations sovereignty, discrimination against First Nations people and the undermining of environmental management and protection.

"It can be easy to say, 'Oh, the Indians are mad,': Kolson said. "But why are we angry? What are we challenging? We are challenging something that is an enshrined and judiciary obligation by the aboriginal-Crown relationship. That is our treaties and that is what (Prime Minister Stephen Harper) is trying to remove."

Beyond anger, Kolson said she also finds reason to hope among other members of her generation.

"I'm so honored to be able to stand with these young people here because we are understanding and recognizing where our capacity and our strength is in this generation," she said. "Thirty-five years ago, our ancestors stood up and made history with the Berger Inquiry and, you know what, this government can get ready because our generation is educated and we are empowered."

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