Prime Minister Stephen Harper office has released a statement that his team is willing to meet with First Nation leadership and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) on January 11, 2013. The meeting invite does not include a reach-out to Chief Theresa or her camp, nor any grassroots Indigenous groups. This has angered grassroots activists.
The Prime Minister’s office later backtracked during the day and invited Chief Spence to the table.
The January 11, 2013, First Nations summit was called this morning by Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.
In the statement, “It is in this spirit of ongoing dialogue that, together with Minister Duncan, I will be participating in a working meeting with a delegation of First Nations leaders coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations on January 11, 2013. This working meeting will focus on two areas flowing from the Gathering: the treaty relationship and aboriginal rights, and economic development.”
On January 4, 2013, Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence awoke to her twenty-six day of the hunger strike she started in response to numerous concerns regarding First Nations conditions across Canada and the lack of Nation-to-Nation relationship with the crown.
She has stated firmly – time and time again – that she won’t end her hunger strike until a requested treaty meeting begins between her camp and Stephen Harper; not a meeting simply with AFN leadership that bypasses her authority. Upholding the strength of her inner fire, she stated she expected a response from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General David Johnston within seventy-two hours. Harper finallly capitulated.
Spence accepted a meeting with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo yesterday at her tipi on Victoria Island, on traditional Algonquin territory, where she has been fasting – taking in no food and only liquids to sustain her.
Chief Spence has stated she won’t give up her hunger strike on just a commitment from Harper and Johnston to meet with First Nations leadership on the treaties. But the meeting would be a good first step. Chief Spence won’t give up hunger strike until January 11, 2013, First Nations summit, says spokesman Danny Metatwabik.
Spence began her hunger strike on December 11, 2012 of last year. Two other First Nations elders – Raymond Robinson and Emil Bell – are also on hunger strike in solidarity with Chief Spence.
The invitation from Prime Minister Harper at first did not invite Chief Theresa Spence but now, it still does not any members of the grassroots Idle No More campaign, or members from blockades taking place across the country.
Upon hearing the news of the meeting, Mi’kmaq lawyer and Idle No More advocate, Pam Palmater tweeted out: Ok, any grassroots peoples, leaders and allies who use Twitter – plz share your thoughts on this AFN-Harper meeting. Is this what u want?”
Another important upcoming date that was already agreed on in a January 16, 2013, day of action and economic disruption called for by the chiefs. More news of those actions is expected to come and I will post the info as soon as it rolls through town.
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