OTTAWA – Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence is now into Day 19 of her hunger strike. Chief Spence is for Canadians, Members of Parliament, and politicians to urge Prime Minister Harper to meet and commit to Nation to Nation relations with Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples. While there are reports in some media outlets suggesting that Chief Spence is softening her stand, on a number of issues about meeting the Prime Minister, her team state that is simply not the case.
Surviving on a diet of liquids and fish broth, Chief Spence’s resolve is unwavering. The Chief plans to continue her hunger strike until the Prime Minister and his government agree to a meeting to discuss a commitment and a way forward to begin Nation-to-Nation treaty based relationship and a path forward for reconciliation with First Nations and Canada.
However the health impact of her hunger strike is taking a toll. Her team reports, “Her condition continues to weaken every hour and the time has come for increased efforts to gain the support of Canadians and governments in forging this new relationship”.
Chief Spence Weekend Plan
There are two events planned for Sunday, December 30th.
First, there are plans for an Open house invitation to all Members of Parliament and Senators to visit with Chief Spence at her tee pee at Victoria Island, Ottawa. Chief Spence will be receiving MP’s and Senators on Sunday December 30th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
Second Chief Spence is requesting all Canadians and Indigenous People worldwide join in solidarity for ceremonies, events and rallies to call on Prime Minister Harper to answer the call of Aboriginal Nations to meet with Chief Spence and commit to a path of recognition and implementation of the treaty commitments and forging a new First Nations crown relationship.
National and International Coordinated events will be planned for Sunday December 30th, 2012 at 2 pm Eastern time.
