Idle No More supporters arrested at Flatirons Mall (Photos)

At Flatirons Mall on Jan. 2, 2013, at 6:30 p.m., Idle No More supporters gathered for song and dance to support Chief Theresa Spence on her hunger strike. After the first song was performed, police directed people out of the door during the round dance.

Eric Verlo who attended the gathering, stated that police told security, “If they look Native American, tell them to leave.” After people started questioning why Native Americans were being racially profiled and told to leave they were arrested for trespassing. Verlo was pushed out of the door and also arrested for trespassing once he was outside of the mall, attempting to take pictures. “We heard on the radio that 15 police in riot gear were coming with shields and gas,” stated Verlo. Verlo explained that no public announcement or reasoning was made as to why they had to disperse and that the participants cooperated with security after being told to leave one song into their performance.

Jolynne Locust Woodcock who also attended the gathering, reported that four adults and one minor were arrested. "We had a peaceful gathering," Woodcock said, "After one song we started to leave and if anyone spoke to the police, they were handcuffed." It was reported by Woodcock that all of the people arrested were released late Wednesday evening.