Idle No More is an movement among First Nations in Canada that has sparked support by Native Americans in the U.S. and indigenous persons all over the world.
The Idle No More manifesto is as follows:
We contend that:
The Treaties are nation to nation agreements between First Nations and the Crown who are sovereign nations. The Treaties are agreements that cannot be altered or broken by one side of the two Nations. The spirit and intent of the Treaty agreements meant that First Nations peoples would share the land, but retain their inherent rights to lands and resources. Instead, First Nations have experienced a history of colonization which has resulted in outstanding land claims, lack of resources and unequal funding for services such as education and housing.
We contend that:
Canada has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world by using the land and resources. Canadian mining, logging, oil and fishing companies are the most powerful in the world due to land and resources. Some of the poorest First Nations communities (such as Attawapiskat) have mines or other developments on their land but do not get a share o…
Currently, this government is trying to pass many laws so that reserve lands can also be bought and sold by big companies to get profit from resources. They are promising to share this time…Why would these promises be different from past promises? We will be left with nothing but poisoned water, land and air. This is an attempt to take away sovereignty and the inherent right to land and resources from First Nations peoples.
There are many examples of other countries moving towards sustainability, and we must demand sustainable development as well. We believe in healthy, just, equitable and sustainable communities and have a vision and plan of how to build them.
A solidarity rally was organized down here in Los Angeles. I went and met up with some great people. Here are some photos I took.
I made my very own first protest sign!
This morning was like Christmas morning. I was really eager and it felt like my first day of school!
Let it be known that @speakfaithfully is now hitting the concrete and not just the Facebook walls or Tweets to spread the word.
There were about 30 or so other protesters.
There were also some speakers…
…they spoke on a variety of topics. This man spoke on the need for indigenous sovereignty worldwide.
Adam Beach was there.
And so was @andrealandry1. This is her giving an impassioned, articulate and intelligent speech.
@NativeApprops was there too. She got to interview a lot of cool people and I look forward to her blog post on this event.
There was a lot of dancing. I round-danced and this man performed a hoop dance for our healing. It was amazing. This picture does not do it justice.
There were also some amazing signs and talented people supporting the rally.
And overall we had a great day and then went home.
Speakfaithfully 
What can non-indigenous allies do to support the movement?
Cecile,
As a non-indigenous person myself I think one of the most important steps is self-education. Learn more about the history of First Nations/Native American relationships with the U.S. and Canadian government and learn more about present legislation. We in the West do not teach the dark side of our history so why things like Bill C-45 is wrong and represents a step back is not fully clear to your average citizen. By educating yourself you can have a better understanding of why Bill C-45 is yet another attempt at colonization, why it will be bad for the First Nations, and why its not really aimed at helping First Nations but exploiting their land and people for corporate profits and political gain.
Also, you can spread the word. I have a feel that #IdleNoMore will do a lot to make people uncomfortable and force people to think about First Nations and Native American issues in Canada and the U.S. While I am not a fan of awareness campaigns I think this movement will have a great impact through the spreading of knowledge both in person and over the internet. Hopefully this can help restore a relationship where people can get along, where the land can be shared, and we can see an end to paternalistic colonial legislation and acts by the government of Canada and the U.S.
You can also of course find a solidarity rally in your area and come out. 🙂
This was a great way to stand United with each other, I am from Flying Dust, Saskatchew Canada and was privileged to stand with everyone who attended today in Los Angeles for the Idle No More Rally!
It was great to have you down. Were you one of the people who spoke? I am trying to put a face to the name.
I’m sorry my daughter was hitting the keyboard while i was typing, I’m from Saskatchewan, LOL!