Canadian Solidarity fast (24h) for Chief Spence to support her in her meeting with Harper on Friday January 11, 2013. I am calling on all Canadians to fast all Friday for Chief Spence.
You’ll have all week to prepare to shift your thoughts, attentions and prayers off yourself (by consuming food) and onto a cause greater than yourself (Chief Theresa, First Nations communities across Canada). It’s that simple.
Here’s the background:
On December 4, 2012, Chief Theresa Harper released a 48 hour ultimatum to the Conservative government and Canada’s Governor General to meet with her at her tipi on Victoria Island (Traditional Algonquin land).
Chief Spence has been waiting a long time to have her initial demand fulfilled of a meeting with Harper and the Governor General.
In the initial press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, there was only a vague hint of invited First Nation leaders with no mention of Chief Spence among the invitees. This was rectified through some unknown means later that same day, and Spence says she will now attend.
In a press release, his office says, “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.”
Despite hope for the meeting on January 11, 2013, Chief Spence will continue the hunger strike which she started on December 11, 2012. And we all know Chief Spence is smart enough to realize that fixing all of Canada’s problems will take more than one meeting. But at least Stephen Harper agreed to a meeting.
Chief Spence has been on little ol’ Victoria island in the shadow of Parliament Hill; so I doubt he’d have any problem finding her. Maybe he could not find a warm enough sweater vest to step outside?
So for the meeting on that Friday January 11, 2013, Chief Spence has said she would attend. She will also continue to fast until then. And as we are her sisters and brothers here on Turtle Island, we will help her out. Here is a link to some camp items they need.
I would like to help her out. I know you would to. I spoke a few times with an Indigenous grandmother who gave me an eagle feather and I respect her opinion concerning this action – performing this fast – and whether it is good and fits in with the Seven Grandfather teachings. She agreed with me and said she will pray for us, as I hope others do.
I want to give Chief Theresa Spence the strength of my spirit for her important day, I am going to do another 24 hour fast. The last one was a success at 300 people said they participated as much as they could. The intention is the most important thing. Focusing your thoughts and prayers on Chief Spence and her team. This would be a fast from food but not liquids, as Spence is doing. While I fast, I will be praying and thinking about primarily Chief Spence.
There are two other elders who are on a fast: Raymond Robinson and Emil Bell. My thoughts will be with them, also.
This fast call out has no set location as it will occur where ever you all happen to be. Chief Spence has been fasting from food for more than 3 weeks; all I’m asking you in 24 hours – to support her.
So please consider joining me on Friday January 11, 2013 and take in only liquids (water, juice, tea, clear soups) and give your strength of spirit to Chief Spence during her important meeting that day. Of course, if you have concerns about this fast, it’s not until Friday to prepare, cut down on items you think will be difficult to abstain from or consult a nurse or physician.
Other First Nation fasters may wish to perform their personal and cultural traditions regarding fasting and restricting food and water. Please use the tools of your Sacred bodies and Sacred bundles to pray for Chief Theresa Spence.
I do need to note here that am not responsible if you have a problems and only wish everyone a safe, fast.
It also helps to fast with a friend or friends so consider doing the 24 hour fast together and keep thinking about you can be a good helper and ally to the land and her people.
Feel free to visit the Fabebook page to sign up or sign up below.
If you have any thoughts or dreams you want to share, feel free to post them below.
Sincerely,
Krystalline Kraus
Not representing any organization in Toronto – just trying to do the right thing.
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