Millbrook fasts to support native chief's hunger strike

A four-day fast is underway in Millbrook in support of an Ontario chief's hunger strike for native rights.

Organizer Shelley Young says about 100 people in Millbrook are taking part to show the rest of the country that they back Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence.

Spence has been on a hunger strike near Parliament Hill since Dec. 11. She is trying to force Prime Minister Stephen Harper to meet about Bill C-45, the government's omnibus budget legislation.

Young says the legislation leaves lands and waterways without federal protection.

"I have a daughter. I'm worried about her future. I'm worried that her hunting and fishing rights are affected. You know, we live off the land and how is she going to survive if our waterways aren't protected?" she told CBC News on Thursday.

Young said the Harper government would be forced to react and change the law if the rest of the country backs their protest.

"It's not just about Bill C-45. He's also pushing through six bills next year about the land and environment. And if we don't stop this one there will be so much change in legislation we won't be able to do anything for the land. We won't be able to save it," she said.

The fast in Millbrook is expected to stop at the end of the month. Young said if Harper hasn't agreed to meet with Spence by then, her group would travel to Ottawa to join the protest there.

The fast is one of a number of protests as part of Idle No More.