Trans-Canada blockade planned by Manitoba First Nation

People from Sandy Bay First Nation are planning to block the Trans-Canada Highway just west of Portage la Prairie on Saturday.

It's part of the Idle No More national campaign protesting the federal government's omnibus budget Bill C-45, which First Nations people say violates their treaty rights.

'A lot of people travel that road, and it's going to stop tomorrow.' —Tricia Beaulieu

Tricia Beaulieu, one of the organizers, says it will be a peaceful protest from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. where the Trans-Canada meets the Yellowhead Highway 16.

"It is the Highway of Heroes and here we are, fighting for ourselves, becoming the heroes," she said.

It's a great place to make a stand. A lot of people travel that road, and it's going to stop tomorrow."

Earlier this year, a stretch of the Trans-Canada between Winnipeg and the Canadian Forces Base Shilo near Brandon, was designated as the Highway of Heroes in honour of those who have served in the Canadian forces. 

RCMP say they have been notified about the plans for the blockade and will provide the public with information as needed.

"I can tell you that the RCMP would respect the right of Canadians to participate in peaceful protests and will work to ensure the safety of any participants involved in a peaceful protest as well as the safety of motorists using the roadways," said Cpl. Miles Hiebert, an RCMP spokesman.

The Idle No More movement emerged about four weeks ago as an effort to educate First Nations people on the multitude of legislation being put forward by the government.

There have since been several rallies across the country, including one at the Manitoba legislature on Dec. 10 that drew 300 people.