Latest News

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Support growing for First Nations blockade of CN Rail line in Sarnia: group

By: The Canadian Press

Posted: 12/25/2012 2:11 PM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 12/25/2012 3:11 PM

People from Aamjiwnaang First Nation and supporters gather for a meeting with officials as their blockade of the CN St. Clair spur line that began Friday, continues in Sarnia, Ont., Sunday. (DAVE CHIDLEY / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

SARNIA, Ont. - A member of a southwestern Ontario First Nation blockading a CN Rail line in Sarnia says gestures of support are flooding in as the protest reaches its fifth day.

Ron Plain of the Aamjiwnaang (AWN'-ja-nong) First Nation says donations such as blankets and food and other offers of help are coming in from within the province and from as far away as California as word spreads through social media.

The protesters are denouncing the Harper government’s omnibus Bill C-45, which they claim eliminates treaty and aboriginal rights set out in the Constitution

Plain says organizers have yet to decide whether to challenge a court injunction granting police the power to end the protest.

Sarnia police have said they won't move to stop the blockade unless there is a safety risk.

Demonstrators say the blockade will continue until Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with Attiwapiskat Chief Theresa Spence. The leader of the northern Ontario First Nation is on a hunger strike in Ottawa to bring attention to aboriginal issues.

Meanwhile, members of two First Nations near Sault Ste. Marie in northern Ontario have posted a message on Facebook saying they plan to launch their own rail blockade on Thursday to back Spence.

Plain says there is an "air of excitement" at the Sarnia blockade, with Aamjiwnaang youth — who started the protest Friday as part of the national Idle No More movement — building snowmen along the tracks.

"The resolve of the community seems to be deepening," Plain said, adding the demonstration is "turning into a community event as opposed to a blockade."

The protest has seen dozens huddle around tents, tables and vehicles, shutting off rail access to several chemical plants.

"We've got people coming in from all over Ontario. We've got people coming in from the United States to sit in," Plain added.

Plain said a representative for the rail company spoke with organizers Monday, but the talks were not fruitful.

He said the First Nation is unwavering in its stance that the tracks were not laid legitimately.

"Our view is a very solid view in that the tracks are not permitted on that road. There was never any kind of permit issued for those tracks to cross there."

Spence started her hunger strike on Dec. 11, and has been living in a teepee on an island in the Ottawa River that many aboriginals consider to be sacred land.

She is seeking a meeting with Harper, the governor general and First Nations leaders to discuss the treaty relationship.

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.