Conditions remain the same Continued from page 1 try from over 1,000 to less than 100," said Kinew. "It also changed the Indian Act, which essentially made it easier to convert communally-held reserve property into something more akin to private property." Kinew said changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act was irksome because water is not only needed to live, but plays an important role in native spirituality and transportation. The change to the Indian Act was seen as negative because, Kinew said, it could conceivably allow a small group of elected officials to sell off reserve land without engaging the community. Idle No More exploded on social media and on Dec. 4, 2012 messages about the level of discontent with the federal government's actions reached the Assembly of First Nations. Kinew said, a group of chiefs attempted to enter the House of Commons to communicate what they were hearing, but were barred by the RCMP . At one point a brief shoving match ensued and soon Idle No More's cause was receiving national media coverage. The movement grew with its founders calling for a day of action on Dec. 10, with protests and rallies in many cities. Kinew said it all led to 10,000 Idle No More members and supporters marching on Parliament. "The people on the steps of Parliament that day spoke passionately about standing up for the environment, spoke about actions we can take in communities to make life better for (First Nations) kids, and they spoke about rebuilding indigenous nations," said Kinew. Kinew also spoke about Idle No More's relationship with Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence who began a hunger strike/liquid diet one day after Idle No More's Dec. 10 day of action. While Spence is separate from Idle No More and began her hunger strike for her own reasons (mostly to do with issues in her own community), many people at Idle No More protests saw her 3 | Friday, April 5, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Kinew doubts we've heard the last of protest as a hero and inspiration. While Idle No More's popularity was chalked up to opposition to Bill C-45, Kinew argued the bill was simply the match that ignited the larger fire of discontent many aboriginal people have about their living situations. Kinew noted unfair treaties, the Indian Act and the Residential School System have left a legacy of harm, which has crippled generations of aboriginal families. "If you ask these people (native protesters), `Why are you here?' I'm sure a number of them would say, `Bill C-45,'" said Kinew. "I would challenge that. I would say, `Really? `Aren't you here because your life expectancy is 10 years shorter than it is for other Canadians? Aren't you here because the average income in your community is $10,000$20,000 less than the Canadian average? Aren't you here because if you are a young man you are more likely to go to jail than to finish high school?" Kinew doubts the public has heard the last of Idle No More. Medical Office Building For Sale or Lease New Oakville Hospital Building Features: · Located at the Main Entrance of the New Oakville Hospital · Available for Sale or Lease · Prime Turn-Key Medical Suites · Covered Connection to the Hospital · Lounge/Conference Room for Physicians · 2 Storey Green Wall & Atrium · State of the Art LEED Certified Building Location: New Oakville Hospital Description: 5 Storey Class A Medical Office Building Building Size: 100,000 Sq. Ft. Occupancy: December 2015 inside today's Editorial Sports Beaver www.insideHALTON.com Full Delivery: Jenkins Agency Dell Computers, Dr. Green Lawncare, Holland Park Garden, Home Hardware, Rabba Fine Foods, New Homes, Queen's Pharmacy, Signature Landscaping, Foot Solutions, Canada Computers, Smart Source, Bass Pro Shops, Michael's Partial Delivery: 6 24 Artscene Classified 23 28 For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com Physician's Lounge SIGN UP ONLINE www.ultimatedrivers.ca SAVE $100 4 DAY CONDENSED APR 15-16-17-18 APR 6-7, 13-14 APR 8 OR 15 SPRING SPECIAL ACT NOW! Limited Prime Space WEEKEND EVENING: Ben Swirsky 416.221.9348 x319 Lina Yang 416.221.9348 x325 Ross Cannata 905.338.3279 Gift Certificates Available 905.825.1172 407 Speers Road Suite 213, Oakville Leading Owner, Developer & Manager of Medical Buildings for over 30 years