Idle No More

Idle No More
Name	Idle No More
Date	2012
Location	Canada

Idle No More is a Canadian indigenous rights movement that was founded by Nina Wilson, Sheelah McLean, Sylvia McAdam, and Jessica Gordon in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with the support of Pam Palmater and other indigenous leaders such as Tantoo Cardinal and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson. The movement gained momentum with the involvement of First Nations leaders like Terry Nelson and Shawn Atleo, as well as aboriginal organizations such as the Assembly of First Nations and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The movement's name was inspired by a Lakota phrase, and it drew support from environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and Greenpeace, as well as from labour unions such as the Canadian Labour Congress and the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

Introduction

The Idle No More movement emerged in response to Bill C-45, a Canadian omnibus bill introduced by the Conservative Party of Canada under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, which included provisions that would amend the Indian Act and remove environmental protections from Canadian lakes and rivers, such as Lake of the Woods and the Mackenzie River. The movement's founders were concerned about the impact of the bill on indigenous communities and the environment, and they drew inspiration from social movements like the Occupy Wall Street movement and the Arab Spring, as well as from the work of indigenous activists such as Cindy Blackstock and Arthur Manuel. The movement also drew support from Canadian artists like Buffy Sainte-Marie and A Tribe Called Red, as well as from international organizations like the United Nations and the International Labour Organization.

History

The Idle No More movement has its roots in the history of indigenous peoples in Canada, including the Indian Act, the Residential Schools system, and the Sixties Scoop, which were all implemented by the Canadian government under the leadership of prime ministers like John A. Macdonald and Pierre Trudeau. The movement's founders were also influenced by the Red Power movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which was led by indigenous activists like George Manuel and Howard Adams. The movement gained momentum in the winter of 2012-2013, with protests and demonstrations taking place across Canada, including in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, and with the support of indigenous leaders like Shawn Atleo and Perry Bellegarde. The movement also drew support from Canadian politicians like Thomas Mulcair and Elizabeth May, as well as from international leaders like Ban Ki-moon and Kofi Annan.

Principles and Goals

The Idle No More movement is guided by a set of principles that prioritize indigenous self-determination, environmental protection, and social justice, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The movement's goals include the repeal of Bill C-45, the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the establishment of a new relationship between the Canadian government and indigenous peoples, based on the principles of reconciliation and redress as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report. The movement also draws inspiration from the work of indigenous scholars like Taiaiake Alfred and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, as well as from the history of indigenous resistance in Canada, including the Riel Rebellion and the Oka Crisis.

Protests and Activities

The Idle No More movement has organized a range of protests and activities, including demonstrations, rallies, and blockades, as well as social media campaigns and petition drives. The movement has also organized teach-ins and workshops on indigenous issues and environmental protection, and has partnered with indigenous organizations like the Native Women's Association of Canada and the Inuit Circumpolar Council. The movement's activities have drawn support from Canadian artists like Neil Young and Bryan Adams, as well as from international organizations like the Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch. The movement has also been involved in solidarity actions with other social movements, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the Standing Rock protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Impact and Legacy

The Idle No More movement has had a significant impact on Canadian politics and indigenous relations, with the Canadian government agreeing to repeal certain provisions of Bill C-45 and to establish a new relationship with indigenous peoples. The movement has also drawn attention to the issues facing indigenous communities in Canada, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare, as highlighted in the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. The movement's legacy can be seen in the continued activism of indigenous leaders and organizations, as well as in the growing awareness of indigenous issues among Canadians, including the work of indigenous scholars like Cindy Blackstock and Pam Palmater. The movement has also inspired similar movements around the world, including the Standing Rock protest and the Australian Aboriginal rights movement.

Criticisms and Controversies

The Idle No More movement has faced criticisms and controversies, including accusations of radicalism and violence, as well as concerns about the movement's leadership and direction. The movement has also been criticized for its lack of clarity on certain issues, including the role of non-indigenous allies and the relationship between indigenous peoples and the Canadian state. Despite these criticisms, the movement remains an important force in Canadian politics and indigenous relations, with a growing base of support among indigenous communities and social justice activists, including the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Council of Canadians. The movement's legacy continues to be felt, with ongoing protests and demonstrations taking place across Canada, including in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver, and with the support of indigenous leaders like Perry Bellegarde and RoseAnne Archibald.

Category:Indigenous rights movements