Local Idle No More rally chooses teach-in over blockade

THUNDER BAY -- As Idle No More protests blocked rail lines, bridges and roads across the country, a small group of people braved the cold in Thunder Bay for a rally at Prince Arthur’s Landing.

About 50 bundled-up people gathered at the park’s spirit garden Wednesday afternoon for a subdued teach-in, where the crowd was given information on the environmental effects of the federal government’s Bill C-45.

One of the event’s organizers Robert Animikii Horton said they chose the teach-in method over blockades to stay closely aligned with the wishes and vision of the four women in Saskatchewan who started the Idle No More movement.

“It’s a diversification of strategy, bringing the awareness and education on these eight bills and education act as well as the environmental degradation and implications of each, not just for our First Nation people but Canadians in general,” he said.

“It really does start with education and awareness.”

Horton said they chose the spirit garden over a more visible location because it was where they had some of their first ceremonies and fell in line with the purpose of the day’s event.

“The reason we came down here is to ensure that cultural, that spiritual foundation is kept central in what Idle No More is doing here in Thunder Bay,” he said.

Wednesday’s rally was also for those who couldn’t make it to the protest on Highway 11/17 in Nipigon.

The local Idle No More group is going to continue with similar teach-ins and Horton said organizers have been discussing steps and measures that will maintain the cultural foundation of the movement.

“This is what’s going to give the movement endurance,” Horton said.