Chief Theresa Spence won't meet with Canada Prime Minister

Thursday, January 10, 2013  

Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence has pulled out of a meeting tomorrow with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Spence has been on a hunger strike for more than a month. One of her requests was a meeting with Harper but she said she won't go because Ontario Gov. Gen. David Johnston declined to attend.

Spence said Johnston's presence is needed in order to address treaty issues. He would be there to represent the Crown, a party to historical treaties.

The meeting with Harper was coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations. AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo will hold a press conference this afternoon to discuss the meeting.

Get the Story:
Theresa Spence pulls out of meeting with Harper (CBC 1/9)
Inside Attawapiskat's financial troubles (CBC 1/9)
Pressure mounts on Shawn Atleo, the quiet man at centre of First Nations storm (CP 1/9)
One quarter of Canada's First Nations are under financial scrutiny by feds (CP 1/9)
Attawapiskat ex-co-manager, chief's partner, once bankrupt (CP 1/10)

Some Opinions:
Editorial: Native groups wrong to insist that Governor-General attend meeting (The Globe and Mail 1/10)
Brian MacLeod: First Nations people not all about politics (The Sudbury Star 1/10)

Attawapiskat leader dismisses audit as hunger strike continues (1/8)
First Nations challenge bill that spurred Idle No More campaign (1/8)
Opinion: First Nations need more funding -- not 'accountability' (1/8)
Doug George-Kanentiio: Natives are at point of outrage in Canada (1/7)
Delvin Cree: North Dakota event supports Idle No More movement (1/7)
Darren Bonaparte: Chief Theresa Spence should end hunger strike (1/7)
Winona LaDuke: Idle No More Movement sees worldwide support (1/3)
Gyasi Ross: Idle No More Movement will keep growing in power (1/3)
Charles Trimble: A deadly time for our tribal allies in Canada (12/31)