Canada

First Nations challenge bill that spurred Idle No More campaign

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The Frog Lake First Nation and the Mikisew Cree First Nation went to federal court today to challenge the bill that spurred the Idle No More Movement.

The two bands say Bill C-45 violates their aboriginal rights and treaty rights. Along with Bill C-38, the measures make major changes to the Indian Act and to environmental laws.

"They're supposed to protect our land, waters, air. Now it's giving industry open season to our territory," Mikisew Cree Chief Steve Courtoreille told CBC News.

Bill C-45, an initiative of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, was opposed by First Nations across the country. It became law last month and is now being called the Jobs and Growth Act.

Bill C-38 is another omnibus bill that became law in June. Both measures were styled as "budget" bills despite containing substantive provisions that First Nations opposed.

Get the Story:
Native bands challenge omnibus budget bill in court (CBC 1/7)
First nations take treaty-rights conflict to the courts (The Globe and Mail 1/8)
Alberta First Nations launch environmental court challenge (The Edmonton Journal 1/7)
Simons: Founder of Alberta version of Idle No More has no time for cynicism (The Edmonton Journal 1/7)
Is Idle No More the new Occupy Wall Street? (CBC 1/8)
Police not stopping aboriginal rail blockades leads to 'dangerous waters': judge (CBC 1/7)