On Wednesday, "Idle No More Quebec" issued a press release calling for global "mobilization" for March 20, 21 and 22
The announcement begins: "Idle No More Quebec encourages people and organizations who work in solidarity with indigenous and environmental causes to respond to the global call to action."
Day three of the planned three-day action is World Water Day, and the choosing of this date was not a coincidence.
Idle No More Quebec protests new legislation in Canada, asserting the new laws are "infringements of rights of indigenous peoples and Canadian citizens" that endanger the "environment and the sustainability of future generations."
In particular, the activists take issue with bills C-45 and C-38 that both amend the Navigation Protection Act of 1982 by allowing for looser regulations over Canada's waterways and violate First Nations' rights according to website Indian Country Today Media Network.
In Wednesday's press release, it was claimed that the bills have effectively removed protection from "99.9% of rivers and 99.7% of lakes in Canada."
In Canada, action is planned in Montreal for March 20 and 21 and will conclude in Ottawa on March 22.
The first day's event, the "Sunrise and Sweat Lodge Ceremony" is meant to "strengthen and emphasize the spiritual aspect of the movement" and will be held at a First Nations botanical garden at 4101 Sherbrooke East.
The second day, March 21, will feature a "Round Dance Flashmob" around the fountain in Complexe Desjardins and is aimed at reiterating Idle No More's commitment to their cause.
The last day, which falls on the international World Water Day, is meant "to celebrate the basis of life endangered by C-45" and will feature a dance and march in Ottawa from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill.
To find out more details about the events, check out the Facebook event for all three days here and the last day's event "United World Water Day" here.
Emilie Rensink writes about civil liberties, counter-terrorism, cyber-security and political activism. Subscribe to get her articles delivered to your inbox.
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