!["Idle No More" Sparks Rally at State Capitol](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/70/fd/1358452909_5946_capitol.jpg?itok=P_NdrtLN ""Idle No More" Sparks Rally at State Capitol")
The spirit of "Idle No More" energized a one-two punch this week in northern Michigan.
Yesterday, an organized "Idle No More" demonstration held at the Michigan State Capitol drew several hundred northern Michigan Native Americans and supporters.
Meanwhile, local tribal government showed their solidarity this week when all three announced official declarations supporting the "Idle No More" movement.
Capitol rally
Between two and three hundred tribal members and supporters endured freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions to rally at the steps of the Michigan State Capitol 4:30 p.m., January 16, 2013 to further the cause of "Idle No More" (see previous story for details).
Timed to coincide with Governor Richard Snyder's State of the State Address, the demonstration gained increased coverage for a story that appears slow to surface in mainstream media.
This time, coverage was provided by the Detroit Free Press, 7 and 10 News, and the Lansing State Journal, as well as Native American publications such as Indian Country Today
and Native News Network.
Former Chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Derek Bailey spoke to the gathering between sets of drumming and singing.
Tribal declarations
In a united show of support for their kin north of the border, the tribal governments of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians all passed official declarations this week supporting "Idle No More."
All three governments (based in Peshawbestown, Manistee and Harbor Springs) responded to constituent's wishes to further the cause of "Idle No More."
A published declaration from the LRBOI can be read by clicking here:
Concerns over threats to tribal sovereignty and natural resource protection know no boundaries, but are particularly felt by First Nation members who say they have gained little from the extraction of resources such as fish, gas, oil, minerals and timber from their communities.
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