Marcella Bernardo | Email news tips to Marcella
1/4/2013
Those taking part in tomorrow's Idle No More rally at the peace arch border crossing say they have no plans to block traffic.
The demonstration, set for 1 p.m., is expected to see more than 800 people attend from both sides of the border.
Organizer Kat Norris says this is not a blockade, as similar events for the indigenous movement have been in Ontario.
Demonstrators have spent several weeks holding rallies opposing the conservative government's omnibus budget legislation, Bill C-45.
Critics say it erodes the sovereign rights of indigenous people, as well as efforts to protect reserve lands and waterways across Canada.
Many protesters plan to gather in Vancouver at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, at Hastings and Commercial, then caravan out to the Peace Arch crossing.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed to meet with first nations leaders, including a hunger-striking Ontario chief who had been seeking such a meeting.
But Chief Theresa Spence, who has been living without solid food since Dec. 17, refuses to stop her protest before that gathering takes place next Friday.
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