March is just the beginning for BC’s Idle No More

Danita Nez and Steven Kakimoosit, two Native Education College students, organized a protest against the federal government’s omnibus C-45 bill in just five days.

Now they’re thinking bigger.

The Dec. 10 protest, one of many national Idle No More events, brought out a large and energetic group that marched from Main St. at 5th St. to the Vancouver Art Gallery toting signs, waving flags and beating drums.

It all ended with a gathering and drum circle at the art gallery steps.

“One of the biggest things is land,” said Kakimoosit.

Kakimoosit and Nez urged the protesters to continue standing up for their rights beyond that day.

“This is not the only day [we will stand up],” said Nez.
The two want to turn into more of an organization, and set up a meeting on Jan. 17 at Joe’s Café to start hashing out details with anyone who is interested.

They eventually want to take the group nationally and intend to take their fight before the United Nations pleading criminal treatment of First Nations.

“We acknowledge the fact that we’re a small portion of millions of Aboriginal people,” said Kakimoosit.