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Editorial: Indigenous people united throughout the Americas

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

"Protest is a tried and true American way of being heard, and it only makes sense that the first Americans — descendants of the indigenous peoples who lived on this continent before European contact — are turning to protest to make their concerns known.

The latest movement, Idle No More, began in Canada with concerns by tribal peoples over legislation that indigenous leaders believe violates their ability to self-govern and control traditional lands. Started by four indigenous women, the movement is growing rapidly (thanks in large part to Facebook). One of those leading the charge is Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, on a hunger strike for more than 30 days. She wants to bring attention to the movement and push Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper into backing away from the controversial legislation, which critics say will weaken environmental protections especially over waterways. The movement’s goal? To establish a nation-to-nation relationship between Canada’s First Nations and the government of Canada and to discuss social and environmental sustainability."

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Editorial: Idle No Moregrows in scope (The Santa Fe New Mexican 1/15)