About 100 local First Nations people gathered at the Prince George courthouse on Friday afternoon to join in a nationwide wave of demonstration to put the federal government on notice that they would be "idle no more."
At particular issue is Bill C-45, Harper government's omnibus budget legislation that, in part, delisted many rivers from environmental protection. Protesters also say the bill made significant changes to the Indian Act without consultation or support from First Nations leaders.
"I think these bills should be stopped," Carrier Sekani Tribal Chief chair Terry Teegee said. "There should be a healthy debate among not only our members of parliament but also with our First Nations people who will ultimately be affected."
The spark for the movement was struck about 10 days ago when Theresa Spence, the chief of northern Ontario's troubled Attawapiskat First Nation, went on a hunger strike.
The population in general has a stake, Teegee said.
"I think as soon as regular Canadians understand how it affects a lot of places, let's say around Prince George, they would care," Teegee said. "A lot of places that we take for granted will be up for development."
The demonstration at the courthouse, which saw people brave freezing weather to wave placards and chant slogans in opposition to the Harper government, is part of Idle No More, a grassroots aboriginal protest movement gaining momentum on social media.
It's only the beginning, Teegee said, who likened Idle No More to the Occupy Movement but with more traction.
"I think there is going to be a sustained movement to get the government to listen to us because quite frankly, I think a lot of people are fed up and we won't go quietly," he said.
Parliament Hill was the scene of a larger demonstration Friday of more than 1,000 protesters that stretched several city blocks as they marched through the streets of the capital. Protests were held across Canada and at Canadian consulates in the United States and other countries.
Julie Vaux, a spokeswoman for Harper, said the rallies did not change the government's position. The Conservatives insist they are taking strong action to address aboriginal concerns.
As recently as Nov. 28, Harper and Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan met with Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo and others to review progress to date and discuss a range of issues, Vaux said.
"Our government hosted an historic gathering of the Crown and First Nations this past January," she also noted.
"Since then, the government has been working with First Nations leadership to make progress in several areas, most notably education and infrastructure on reserves."
- with files from Canadian Press
