People in Saskatoon mark Idle No More's 1st anniversary
December 10, 2012 was the first National Day of Action for the Idle No More Movement
A year ago, on December 10, 2012, people in support of Idle No More held the movement's first National Day of Action.
On Tuesday evening people in Saskatoon gathered to remind others that the cause is still alive. A group met at the city's downtown mall, the Midtown Plaza, and held a impromptu round dance.
Jackie Crowe is a Métis woman living in Saskatoon. She used social media to organize the event.
I believe that not just First Nations, but [all] Canadians should be concerned,- Jackie Crowe
"I am hoping that we are reminding people that we do need to protect the environment and we do need to honour those treaties," Crowe told CBC News. "Those treaties were made over 200 years ago and to this day they are still being dishonoured by breaking agreements."
The original goal of Idle No More was to stop the federal government from passing an omnibus bill that sought to change environmental protection laws. That legislation has since passed.
Crowe said that although Idle No More no longer dominates the headlines, its cause is still important and relevant.
"I believe that not just First Nations but Canadians should be concerned," Crowe said.
"We have 2.7 per cent of the drinking water in the world. And a lot of the things that are happening are effecting our drinking water."
The group sang one song at the mall on Tuesday night. Some participants drummed and sang, while others held hands and danced in a circle in front of the entrance to Sears.
Many security guards were present, although the event remained peaceful.