Post by WebsiteAdmin on Dec 11, 2012 12:29:26 GMT -5
Saskatchewan
Approximately 200 people braved the cold to attend a Bill C-45 Prayer Gathering in front of the Saskatchewan Legislature on Sunday. The event was part of a growing opposition from First Nations communities against the second federal omnibus budget implementation bill.
The far-reaching bill includes changes to the Indian Act, the Navigable Waters Protection Act and the Fisheries Act, among others.
According to many First Nations groups these changes will have a drastic and negative affect on their communities and were proposed without proper consultation.
“We hope that Canadian society and the Saskatchewan public will stand with us and not let this happen,” said Chief Barry Kennedy of Carry the Kettle First Nation.
The issue garnered national headlines on Dec. 4 when the Assembly of First Nations met in Ottawa to voice their displeasure with the bill.
“I am here because I think this is an important first step in showing Canada and Prime Minister Harper that we can’t do this,” said Kennedy on Sunday. “He (Harper) needs to come and sit down with us (Chiefs) as leaders and consult with us.”
The protesters at the Legislature on Sunday want Canadians to know that this is only the beginning of their opposition to the controversial omnibus bill.
“This is just a prayer rally, but as we see the rallies to come I think the disobedience will escalate, you will see the crowds get much larger,” said Kennedy.
Approximately 200 people braved the cold to attend a Bill C-45 Prayer Gathering in front of the Saskatchewan Legislature on Sunday. The event was part of a growing opposition from First Nations communities against the second federal omnibus budget implementation bill.
The far-reaching bill includes changes to the Indian Act, the Navigable Waters Protection Act and the Fisheries Act, among others.
According to many First Nations groups these changes will have a drastic and negative affect on their communities and were proposed without proper consultation.
“We hope that Canadian society and the Saskatchewan public will stand with us and not let this happen,” said Chief Barry Kennedy of Carry the Kettle First Nation.
The issue garnered national headlines on Dec. 4 when the Assembly of First Nations met in Ottawa to voice their displeasure with the bill.
“I am here because I think this is an important first step in showing Canada and Prime Minister Harper that we can’t do this,” said Kennedy on Sunday. “He (Harper) needs to come and sit down with us (Chiefs) as leaders and consult with us.”
The protesters at the Legislature on Sunday want Canadians to know that this is only the beginning of their opposition to the controversial omnibus bill.
“This is just a prayer rally, but as we see the rallies to come I think the disobedience will escalate, you will see the crowds get much larger,” said Kennedy.