Students mobilize to support Idle No More

VICTORIA, BC, Jan. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Students will join today's demonstrations at the Legislature to support the Idle No More movement, which calls on the federal government to honour Aboriginal treaty rights, including the right to self-govern.

"The Canadian Federation of Students-BC recognizes the right to self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada," said Katie Marocchi, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-BC (CFS-BC). "Legislation such as Bill C-45 undermines Aboriginal and treaty rights and should be condemned."

At its most recent general meeting, the CFS-BC passed a resolution of support for the Idle No More movement and endorsed the petition opposing Bill C-45. The bill makes changes to land provisions in the Indian Act and weakens protections for natural resources in Canada including fresh water. CFS-BC also passed several resolutions outlining calls for action in partnership with local Aboriginal groups to oppose the legislated attacks on Aboriginal and treaty rights.

"In Canada only 8% of the Aboriginal persons hold a university degree compared to 23% of non-Aboriginal peoples," said Megan Marshall, Aboriginal Students' Liaison of the CFS-BC. "Access to education is just one example of the many challenges Aboriginal peoples in Canada face."

Elected student representatives of Douglas Students' Union, Students' Union of Vancouver Community College, Emily Carr Students' Union, Vancouver Island University Students' Union, and Camosun College Students' Society will be in attendance of the rally.

"We are proud to be supporting such an important movement," says Madison Paradis-Woodman, Aboriginal Liaison at the Douglas Students' Union. "The best way for people support the Idle No More movement is through education, action, and challenging racism."

The Canadian Federation of Students-BC is composed of post-secondary students from 16 universities and colleges in every region in BC. Post-secondary students in Canada have been represented by the Canadian Federation of Students and its predecessor organizations since 1927.

SOURCE: Canadian Federation of Students - British Columbia

Katie Marocchi, CFS-BC Chairperson [phone]
Ian Boyko, CFS-BC Communications Officer [phone]