Human Rights

Each year in February, we honour Black History Month, a time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black citizens in Canada and around the world.This month allows us the opportunity to reflect on the social forces that have shaped and influenced our communities. We revisit the struggles and challenges inherent in black history in order to continue our work towards harassment free workplaces and a racism free Canada.

Today marks the Idle No More World Day of Action, a momentous day for the historic movement that has swept the country and attracted global attention and support. As MPs return to Parliament Hill today, we will stand together to peacefully protest attacks on democracy, Indigenous freedoms, human rights and environment protections.

Idle No More was founded by four women in Saskatchewan who felt it was urgent to act on current and upcoming legislation that not only affects First Nations people, but all Canadians. The movement has been quickly building for nearly two months, with round dances, rallies and teach-ins taking place across the country.  PSAC members have embraced the movement, attending events in Regina, Winnipeg and throughout the Prairies in support and solidarity.

How can an average non-indigenous, non-activist, yet conscientious citizen of Canada, support the Idle No More movement? The Tyee presents a few ideas. Not all of these actions are concrete or measurable, but all of them truly do matter.

I'm white - don't know what kind of white, some kind of Anglo Saxon, but certainly not native (although I tan really well), and  in University I learned a lot about the Indian Act and the history of First Nations people in Canada, and I naturally felt sorry for their plight. The theft of their children, the erradication of their languages, and the systematic assimilation of their way of life is a disgrace to the Canadian self image which continues to this day, and is arguably accelerating.

A discussion by Priscilla Settee and Sheelah McLean about where Idle No More came from, what its goals are as a movement and where it is going.

Imagine a country where the national government introduces and passes legislation that detrimentally affects all of its First Nations communities but it doesn't bother to consult with them. Does this have implications for all Canadians? You bet it does. This will not be the last time that individuals or groups will take such extreme measures in response to the federal government's public policy process or lack thereof.

PSAC members in Saskatchewan attended Idle No More events throughout the province.

The Idle No More movement continues to gain momentum, with events held across the country on a regular basis, consistent coverage from major media outlets, and growing support from the public. In Saskatchewan, PSAC members united with activists from other unions and community groups to participate in Idle No More rallies and marches.

The National Aboriginal Peoples' Circle (NAPC) of the Public Service Alliance of Canada together with the leadership of the union are proud to stand in support of the grassroots First Nations movement “Idle no More.” Rallies in major centres across the country have brought thousands of Aboriginal peoples and their supporters to the streets, and more are planned in coming weeks.