Idle No More facts for kids

Idle No More is a special movement that supports the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It started in 2012. Four women began the movement, and three of them were from First Nations communities.

Why Idle No More Started

Indigenous people in Canada include First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. Many of them have faced big challenges. They often feel that the government does not pay enough attention to their needs.

For example, in the First Nation community of Attawapiskat, there were serious problems with homes and clean water. Because of these issues, the Chief of Attawapiskat, Theresa Spence, decided to go on a hunger strike. This was a way to get the government to notice what was happening in her community. A hunger strike means someone stops eating to protest and draw attention to a problem.

How Idle No More Grew

In 2012, the Canadian government, led by Stephen Harper, introduced a new law called Bill C-45. Many people worried that this new law would not protect the environment. They were especially concerned about Canada's waterways, like rivers and lakes. A lot of these important waterways flow through lands belonging to First Nations.

People felt that Bill C-45 could harm these lands and waters. This concern helped spark the Idle No More movement. It brought many people together to speak up for environmental protection and Indigenous rights.

Idle No More Protests

The Idle No More movement used many peaceful ways to protest. During the Christmas shopping season in 2012, many people gathered in shopping malls. They performed traditional dances to raise awareness. This was a unique way to show their message to many people.

Another important way Idle No More protested was by blocking railroads. This action aimed to get attention from the government and the public. These protests helped to highlight the issues faced by Indigenous communities. They also showed the strong spirit of the movement.

Images for kids

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  Members of the Nipissing First Nation from southern Ontario and local non-Aboriginal supporters in Ottawa

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  Two members of the Siksika Nation from southern Alberta and a local non-Aboriginal supporter in Ottawa

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  Indigenous protesters at an Idle No More event in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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  Idle No More SF Bay and other protesters against bringing tar sands to the San Francisco Bay gather outside the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, March 2018.

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  Protesters in Ottawa

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  Idle No More supporters occupying the grounds of Parliament Hill on January 11