Sorry for the inconvenience ... We’re trying to change the world

Area residents concerned about what the ramifications of Bill C-45 means not just for First Nations, but for everyone, hit the streets of North Bay demonstrating that the day of standing by idly as promises are broken and another bill is rammed through parliament are long over.

The group, made up a couple hundred people from all walks of life, gathered on Worthington Street at the soup kitchen a peacefully marched up Algonquin Avenue ending at the Highway 17/11 bypass where they had a circle and dance which held up traffic for about a half hour.

Participant Craig Restoule says the movement is not about ‘another native asking for a handout,’ it is about speaking up and speaking out.

“When they (the Harper Government) met with our First Nation Leaders back in January of 2012, Stephen Harper came out with a clear message that they are not going to make any amendments to the Indian Act, in particular without consulting without first consulting our leaders … and you know what it’s about time grass roots you know homegrown projects like this stand up and say you know what you don’t want to listen to our leaders you’re going to have to listen to us as Canadian citizens because we’re not taking it no more.”



North Bay City Police, working in conjunction with OPP and Anishinabek Police Service, closed Algonquin Avenue for the march say the Idle No More demonstration was completed without incident and minimal inconvenience.

“The North Bay Police extends our thanks, to the media for their assistance and co-operation in getting the information to the public, and to the public for their patience and understanding,” they note in a post event release.