"Idle No More" event to be held in Watersmeet Jan. 6

By Michele Bourdieu

On Dec. 28, 2012, Georgenia Earring places signs in support of the "Idle No More" movement to reclaim sacred places during the group visit to Eagle Rock, a sacred Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) site near Big Bay, Mich. (Photo © and courtesy Margaret Boyer. Reprinted with permission)*

BARAGA -- Local supporters of the "Idle No More" movement are invited to join Native American groups from Lac Vieux Desert and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community at 11:30 a.m. TOMORROW, Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Lac Vieux Desert rec center, Watersmeet, and to walk with them to the Lac Vieux Desert Casino at noon for the event.

Click here to find a map and directions to Lac Vieux Desert.

According to their Web site, "Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water. We must repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, and protect Mother Earth."

Both Native and non-Native supporters are welcome to join in the Idle No More activities, which also support Chief Theresa Spence, whose fast/hunger strike has called attention to issues facing First Nations peoples in Canada.** Activities may include a medicine dance, so those who wish to participate should wear appropriate clothing.

If anyone needs a ride from the Baraga area please contact Charlotte Loonsfoot on Facebook or email Jessica Koski at jlkoski@gmail.com.

* See Jessica Koski's article on the Dec. 28, 2012, visit to Eagle Rock, part of the Idle No More call to return to sacred places to reclaim and protect them. Watch for more photos from this event, coming soon.

** Chief Theresa Spence has been fasting since Dec. 11, 2012, and asking that Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Governor General meet with her and other First Nations leaders. Yesterday, Jan. 4, 2013, Harper and Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan agreed to meet with a delegation of First Nations leaders on Jan. 11, 2013.
Click here to read about Idle No More on Indian Country Today.
Click here to read about the Prime Minister's decision.
Click here for a video of the Idle No More Round Dance at the Mall of America -- Minnesotans in support of Chief Theresa Spence.

Also, read Winona LaDuke's recent article, "Why Idle No More Matters."