Theresa Spence facts for kids

Idle No More protesters marching along Government Street on December 21, 2012.

Theresa Spence, born in 1963, was a leader for the Attawapiskat First Nation in Canada. She served as their Chief. She became well-known for her work on important issues. These included housing problems in Attawapiskat. She also supported the Idle No More movement. This movement focused on the rights of Indigenous peoples. Before becoming Chief, she was the Deputy Chief.

Attawapiskat Housing Challenges

As Chief of Attawapiskat, Theresa Spence managed a large yearly budget. The Attawapiskat reserve is home to about 1,549 people.

Declaring a State of Emergency

Chief Spence declared a "state of emergency" several times. This was because of very poor housing conditions on the reserve. These announcements brought national attention to the issue. For example, on October 28, 2011, she declared an emergency. The Canadian government stated that by 2013, they had spent $131 million on the reserve. This money helped build or fix 60 homes and a new school.

Funding and Community Concerns

There were questions about how the money was spent by the reserve's government. Financial records were not made public to the community. Some residents were afraid to talk about it with the media. The De Beers company, which owns a diamond mine nearby, also helped. They donated trailers for housing. The Attawapiskat government also received payments from De Beers. However, Chief Spence did not say how much or how it was used.

Audits and Financial Review

Some leaders, like Grand Chief Stan Louttit, explained that living in remote areas like Attawapiskat is very expensive. The Attawapiskat council agreed to a full financial check. The results of this check were reviewed by government departments. The federal government had placed Attawapiskat under special management. This happened after Chief Spence declared the 2011 emergency. However, a court later ended this arrangement.

A financial check in 2012 looked at how money was spent from 2005 to 2011. It found that millions of dollars lacked proper paperwork. When this was made public, Chief Spence said the government was acting unfairly. Other First Nations leaders, however, said that poor money management was wrong. They felt it hurt other reserves that followed rules. Most of the audit covered years before Spence became Chief.

Chief Spence's salary and travel costs were over $71,000.

Idle No More Movement and Hunger Strike

On December 11, 2012, Chief Spence began a hunger strike. She only drank lemon water, special teas, and fish broth. This type of diet was a traditional way for Indigenous communities to survive. It was used when they faced poverty and food shortages.

The Purpose of the Protest

Her protest aimed to bring attention to Indigenous peoples' issues. She wanted to support the Idle No More movement. This movement works for indigenous rights. She also raised concerns about a government bill called C-45. She said her protest would continue until Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General David Johnston met with First Nations leaders. She wanted them to discuss Canada's treaty relationships.

Support and Public Attention

Chief Spence set up a tipi on Victoria Island in Ottawa. This was near Parliament Hill. She asked traditional women healers and other women to join her. She wanted them to pray for Canada. Her protest gained worldwide attention for the Idle No More movement. She became a symbol of unity for many supporters. The Attawapiskat community fully supported her.

A bank account was set up to receive donations for Chief Spence. Her spokespeople said her partner, Clayton Kennedy, would manage the money. This arrangement raised some questions from a Canadian magazine. They also questioned who was allowed to speak for Chief Spence.

Government and Public Response

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development John Duncan sent Chief Spence a letter. He expressed concern for her health. He urged her to stop her protest. Chief Spence then called for a day of protests on December 30, 2012. Peaceful demonstrations took place in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. A train was also stopped by protesters. Many politicians from opposition parties visited Chief Spence. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin met her on January 5, 2013. He called her "an inspiration." Amnesty International also supported her. They urged the Prime Minister to meet with her.

Shawn Atleo, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, met with Chief Spence many times. He tried to convince her to end her hunger strike. On January 1, 2013, Atleo invited the Prime Minister to a meeting. This meeting with First Nations leaders was set for January 24. However, Chief Spence rejected this date. She said her health needed a meeting within 72 hours. Her spokesperson stated the hunger strike would continue.

Ending the Protest

On January 4, 2013, the Prime Minister's Office announced a meeting. It would take place on January 11, 2013. Prime Minister Harper and Minister Duncan would meet with First Nation leaders. Chief Spence's spokesperson first said she would attend. But Chief Spence later changed her mind. She rejected the invitation because the Governor General David Johnston would not attend. Also, the Premier of Ontario was not available.

Chief Spence ended her hunger strike on January 24, 2013. It had lasted six weeks. A "Declaration of Commitment" was created. This document committed federal opposition parties and the AFN to address important issues. These issues affected the relationship between First Nations people and the Canadian Government. They were based on old Nation-to-Nation treaties. At the meeting on January 11, 2013, Prime Minister Harper had agreed to high-level talks. These talks would update and carry out the ancient treaties. These treaties were always meant to bring peace and success to First Nations.

Her hunger strike was featured in the 2015 documentary film After the Last River.

Personal Life

Theresa Spence has five daughters. Her partner is Clayton Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy was previously hired by the band council. His job was to help manage spending and check accounting procedures.

Career Highlights

Theresa Spence held many roles within the Attawapiskat government. She was elected Chief on August 27, 2010. Before that, she served as deputy chief and a council member. She was also part of the local development group. She managed the local daycare as well.