Idle No More: What are the Main Issues Behind the Movement? (Part 1)

The Idle No More movement began late in 2012 after the Harper Government passed their massive omnibus budget Bill C-45. Four women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon all shared a vision in which people can help protect Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people. The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people remained idle. To them, it became evident that women MUST do something about the apparent colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through Canada’s parliamentary system. They began by calling a rally to inform the public that Bill C-45 intended to give the minister of Indian Affairs unprecedented power and they also informed the public on other legislation that may affect and ignore the treaties made with the crown, thereby impacting water, land and people in harmful ways. The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind. These rallies took place all across the country and culminated when a National Day of Solidarity and Resurgence was called for December 10, 2012. This was an enormous grassroots event that never in history had seen so many nations and diverse groups of people come together. The speaker will elaborate on why many individual bills relating specifically to First Nations People within Bill C-45 are of particular concern. Speaker: Faye Morning Bull LLB Faye Morning Bull's Blackfoot name is Natoamiskapiakii, Holy Sunrise Woman. She is a member of the Piikani Nation, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy whose members are signatories to Treaty Seven. Faye is of Blackfoot, Cree & Nez Perce descent. She attended the University of Lethbridge where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Native American Studies. During and after completing her degree, she worked with the Peigan Research Department on Specific Claims and Treaty rights issues. Faye finished her Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Calgary. Prior to attending Law School she also had experience working in Community Corrections, as a Probation Officer. Faye has an understanding of oral history as she is a Canadian Nez Perce descendent of the White Bird's people who came into Canada when Chief Joseph surrendered in the Bear Paw Mountains of Montana. Faye practices law and she has recently established her own law firm, Indigenous Law.