Idle No More

Idle No More is a mass movement that started with the indigeous peoples of Canada, who are generally referred to as the First Nations.  Their principle focus is the grossly destructive mining of tar sands in Northern Alberta.  What started with the First Nations expanded quickly to the Native American communities of the U.S., and indigeous peoples around the world. Moreover, the focus  now covers a broad range of deeply destructive public policies that are doing incalculable harm to the only planet we have.

What is the difference between Idle No More and the 99ers?  It seems principly to be with the focus.  The 99ers were about economic unfairness and political corruption.  Idle No More, while related, has a broader focus with resistance against environmental destruction at its core. 

An article published on January 16, 2013 on the Common Dreams webpage included the following description of the Idle No More movement.

Idler No More Co-founder Attawapiskat Chief Theresa has said...

The grassroots movement of Idle No More is the face of all grassroots people...The founders might be considered guides or maintaining the vision, but Idle No More has no leader or official spokesperson.

A recent press release on the Official Idle No More website echoed this sentiment:

This movement has been guided by Spiritual Elders, dreams, visions, and from peoples’ core values. We are here to ensure the land, the waters, the air, and the creatures and indeed each of us, return to balance and discontinue harming each other and the earth.

I love that indigenous people are stepping up and standing up for the natural world. Their core values allow them to fight the 'powers that be' from the moral highground.   As their voices are heard, these indigenous people will inspire more and more people to join them in protecting the natural commons we all depend on... I hope.