There’s growing talk of more action as a chief in Ontario continues her hunger strike.
Chief Theresa Spence hasn’t eaten solid food since December 11th and is steadfast in her desire to talk with Prime Minister Stephen Harper about the plight facing First Nations.
The chief has also made a request to the organizers of the Idle no more movement to ask for unity between themselves and leaders.
In her letter, Spence says the chiefs are ready to humble themselves for the people. Her message reads, “Let us come together in unity, because all of us, chiefs and grassroots are one. If we are going to point fingers let us point them squarely at this colonial government.”
The four founders of the Idle no more movement are from Saskatchewan.
They are expected to respond to the request from Chief Spence today.
Many among the grassroots movement say they worry chiefs will try to co-opt the movement for their own ends. On Monday, Idle no more organizers posted a message on their website distancing themselves from the chiefs saying the vision of the grassroots does not coincide with the visions of the leadership.
Meantime there is talk of more demonstrations and protests.
What is being called a peaceful slowdown barricade will be set up on the Transcanada highway near Regina on Sunday , and some chiefs are threatening economic disruptions through rail and highway blockades on January 16th if Prime Minister Stephen Harper does not hold a treaty meeting with Chief Spence.
Over the past week there have been several road and rail blockades in Ontario including an ongoing blockade of a rail line near Sarnia.