Like the Occupy movement, Idle No More has been facilitated by social media and Internet collaboration. And like Occupy, it has eschewed formal organization, taking a horizontal approach that has seen discussion on Facebook and Twitter encompass wide-ranging issues and sometimes hotly contested viewpoints.
On Monday, the official Idle No More website posted a statement distancing the movement from attempts by First Nations leaders to claim any form of responsibility for the ongoing demonstrations.
“The Chiefs have called for action and anyone who chooses can join with them, however this is not part of the Idle No More movement as the vision of this grassroots movement does not coincide with the visions of the Leadership,” the posting said.
Discussions on social media and statements from protesters quoted in the media have reflected disappointment with aboriginal governments and existing organizations.
“[Idle No More] seems to be a rejection of aboriginal leadership, a rejection of local chiefs and chiefs on the national stage,” Daniel Salée, a professor at Concordia University’s School of Community and Public Affairs, told the National Post.
“People seem to feel as though their leaders aren’t working in their best interest or that they simply aren’t getting the job done.”
Support for the movement has come from former Occupy protesters, opposition parties, and groups calling for an investigation of robocalls placed during the last election. Statements have come in from around the world to support the action.
Call for Treaty Revolution
While the founders of Idle No More have brushed aside official endorsements from First Nations leaders, the aim of the group echoes demands that the federal government honour historic treaties signed by the Crown.
A mission statement on the Idle No More website declares Canada has grown wealthy through land and resources while not honouring treaty agreements covering lands from which the resources are obtained.
The organizers contend the federal government’s efforts to fast-track resource projects will circumvent treaty rights while poisoning the environment.
