"Another global day of action set for Idle No More"

Don't believe everything you hear about the apparent demise of the Idle No More movement. While pundits are busy finding ways to demonstrate the movement has peaked and is now on the wane, people are busy planning events for February 14, which has been designated as a Global Day of Action by the Saskatchewan founders of the movement. The founders are also calling for people to hold Indigenous Rights Teach-ins on February 21.

It is true that the "fire" that lit up social media about Idle No More in December and early January has toned down, notably after Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence ended her hunger strike. While some media outlets have said internet chatter about Idle No More has fizzled, apparently due to lack of interest, it is also possible that the movement is shifting gears as it prepares to dig in for the long haul.

That is evidenced by the fact that Idle No More now has a list of provincial, territorial and international leads drawn up and a plan of action. That plan sets out loosely defined goals and objectives of ensuring "the environment is protected and our inherent right to Indigenous sovereignty is recognized as we urge the government of Canada to repeal all legislation which violates treaties, Aboriginal Inherent Rights and Title and subsequently environmental protections of lands and water."

The founders have also said they plan to establish a Council of Women and are encouraging the creation of chapters across the country.

The movement will continue with the strategy already put in place: pressuring the government by bringing attention to the issues and providing assistance to those who are undertaking legal challenges of federal legislation.

Expert Mark Blevis, who specializes in analyzing online traffic, said the decrease of internet chatter about Idle No More is a sign the movement is "losing both public attention and internal momentum." His analysis of Idle No More is available on his blog, markblevis.com.

But that is not the opinion held by Prime Minister Paul Martin, who said on the February 12 radio broadcast of CBC's Metro Morning program the movement is "one of the most significant post-war movements in Canada."

Judging by the information provided by people on the Idle No More Facebook page, there is no shortage of events, from a public "Break the chain" dance in London, Ontario to teach-ins on treaties and Indigenous rights in Saskatchewan to a week of action planned for March focusing on the tar sands. And, as we have seen before, events are again taking place outside of Canada in support of Idle No More.

Thursday's Global Day of Action has a focus on murdered and missing Indigenous women, and coincides with the Women's Memorial March. The global day is also supporting the One Billion Rising movement, which aims to end violence against against women and girls; and also in solidarity with the Have a Heart Day, which is a campaign supporting Indigenous children's rights to a safe home to grow up in, have a good education, be healthy and to be proud of themselves.

Events:

February 14, 2013: Hagersville gathering from 5 to 6 pm at King and Main Streets, with a wrap-up at Country Style at the New Credi Plaza. For more information contact Valery at 519-802-7015.

February 15, 2013: Hamilton 6 pm - Sweetheart Social at Workers Arts and Heritage Building, 101 York Boulevard, Hamilton.

March 4, 2013: Brantford - Teach-in at Laurier, more details to follow.