THE TURTLE ISLAND MESSENGER

FIRST NATIONS CHIEFS OF CANADA MARCH ON PARLIAMENT IN A PROTEST OF CANADIAN GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND BILL C-45

12-4-12

By Deborah LaVallie

First Nations Chiefs demonstrated their frustration of Canadian Government policies Tuesday, as they marched on Parliament Hill in Ottawa protesting their opposition to the budget implementation Bill C-45 proposed by conservatives and it's unfairness to the First Nations and the failure of the conservative government to consult with them.

Bill C-45 an omnibus budget bill would change the Navigable Waters Protection Act which would remove thousands of lakes and streams from federal protection. The Act established in 1882 is one of Canada's oldest laws and states "no one could block, alter or destroy any water deep enough to float a canoe without federal approval." Chiefs are concerned that the new Act would strip away federal oversight of thousands of lakes and streams paving the way for more big pipelines to be built, and would affect First Nations territories.

The peaceful march ended in a minor confrontation when the Chiefs tried to enter the House of Commons to deliver their message that they were serving notice that they now planned to take direct action against the Harper government. Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Wallace Fox issued a statement later and said, "We weren't consulted on C-45 which outlines a new legislation on land surrender and wanted to be included in these discussions." They wanted to deliver a message to Parliament and Prime Minister Stephan Harper in a peaceful way, that the inherent treaty rights of First Nations peoples weren't negotiable. He said, "These actions have strained an already fragile relationship. We have no other choice now but to take a course that will have impacts on all Canadians." About 200 people took part in the rally and march.