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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The Idle No More movement gained strength in Fort Simpson in the lead up to the holidays.

Sisters Krista, left, and Ashley Okrainec carry a banner during the Idle No More march in Fort Simpson on Dec. 21. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

On Dec. 21 an event was held in the village that recognized the significance imbued in the day as well as the nation-wide movement. Approximately 55 people participated in a fire feeding ceremony at the arbor in the morning.

Holding signs and placards, the majority of the people then marched to main street and as far as the recreation centre.

Beating on traditional drums, Jim Antoine and Michael Neyelle walked at the head of the column.

At the recreation centre, participants shared a lunch, including stew and bannock, before listening to speakers and participating in a drum dance.

Kristen Tanche was among the approximately 10 people who organized the event.

Tanche said the cause behind Idle No More drew her to the movement. It's about more than just protesting Bill C-45, she said. The movement is also about protecting the environment, becoming more culturally aware and about people coming together worldwide. Many people in Fort Simpson aren't aware of what's behind Idle No More, said Tanche.

"I was really hoping for a lot of awareness to come out of this event," she said.

Although she was hoping for more participants, Tanche said the event was successful.

"I think it's the beginning of a bigger movement," she said.

Jim Antoine, former chief of Liidlii Kue First Nation, was one of the speakers at the gathering. Antoine talked about both the spiritual significance of Dec. 21 and about Idle No More.

The Idle No More movement started as a result of the federal government changing laws and legislation related to our land, water and treaties, he said.

"It's not a right thing that they did," said Antoine.

These changes, however, have been in the works for awhile. Even when the Conservatives had a minority government Stephen Harper said he was going to open the riches of the North. Now that the Conservatives have a majority, they can do almost anything they want, he said.

"Right from day one in the Deh Cho we knew we were in trouble," said Antoine.

"The only weapon people have is themselves and standing up against it. We've just got to keep on raising our voice.

Dehcho First Nations' Grand Chief Herb Norwegian shared a similar message with the crowd in the recreation centre.

There's a great demand for resources and multinational companies are going after them, he said.

"We walk on the richest land in Canada," Norwegian said. "We are literally in their way, that's how they look at it."

People at the event were doing the right thing by standing in support of protesters across Canada, Norwegian said.

If we stand together and continue to challenge the federal government on its policies and how it treats First Nations we're on the right path, he added.

"We're going to have to stop them and we're going to stop them," Norwegian said. "The only weapon we have is our spirit and that's what's going to keep us alive."

The event on Dec. 21 was the second Idle No More demonstration to take place in Fort Simpson. A march held on Dec. 10 attracted approximately 30 people.

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