Bannock breakfast marks day of action

While other aboriginal groups have planned marches and rallies, the Mi'kmaq Confederacy on P.E.I.marked the First Nations National Day of Action on Friday with a bannock breakfast.

'The issues of poverty are a Canadian issue.' — Jeff Brant, Mi'kmaq Confederacy

The breakfast was held at Ogosig Native Friendship Centre in Charlottetown. The day of action is intended to bring attention to the poverty experienced by Canada's aboriginal peoples and the advancements of Mi'kmaq rights on P.E.I.

"On P.E.I., we wanted to make sure that we drew attention to the issues as opposed to drawing attention to the act itself," said Jeff Brant of the Mi'kmaq Confederacy.

"So a breakfast just seemed like a natural fit, having a traditional meal."

The event highlighted poverty as a central issue for natives on Prince Edward Island. In a news release, the group noted the average wage for an individual on P.E.I. is $22,400, compared to $16,000 for an aboriginalperson.

"The issues of poverty are a Canadian issue," said Brant."They're not just an issue for aboriginal people. All Canadians should be concerned about the state of First Nation communities."

While the Mi'kmaq Confederacy is supporting the day of action, the P.E.I. Native Council is not. It said while the council acknowledges there is disparity, the group also believes the Assembly of First Nations is using the day of action to position itself politically.