Chiefs and members of the First Nations try to push their way into the House of Commons as they are restrained by House of Commons guards on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday December 4, 2012. First Nations activists across Canada are gearing up for a week of rallies as part of a growing grassroots movement known as Idle No More. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand
December 16, 2012 - 10:59 AM
First Nations activists across Canada are gearing up for a week of rallies as part of a growing grassroots movement known as Idle No More.
Supporters say they are upset about the effects of Harper government policies on aboriginal communities.
And they want First Nations to be recognized as sovereign stakeholders in decisions affecting the country's land and resources.
The group is particularly upset with Bill C-45, the government's omnibus budget legislation, which it says weakens environmental laws.
After a round of protests on Dec. 10, a half-dozen more events are planned for this week culminating in a rally on Parliament Hill on Friday.
A spokeswoman for Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan says the department has made efforts to consult with aboriginal leaders.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012