New Canadian indigenous movement blocks roads over land grab

Flash mobs of indigenous activists and their supporters, hundreds strong, blocked roads, bridges and railway lines across Canada last week.

They are part of a new indigenous movement that has exploded into the headlines since early December.

Protesters in the Idle No More coalition are outraged at new attempts by the Canadian government to take control of indigenous land to develop mining and oil industries.

Right wing prime minister Stephen Harper’s latest austerity budget included attacks on welfare and pensions.

It also takes away land rights that have been enshrined in treaties for decades.

Idle No More calls for “a revolution which honors and fulfils Indigenous sovereignty which protects the land and water”.

“Colonisation continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water,” it says.