Canadian First Nations groups marched through downtown Toronto Thursday, to protest the Canadian government's treatment of it's indigenous people.
    "We're not happy with the Harper government," said Harrison Friesen from Red Power United. "Our goal right now is to let the international media and let the world know that everything is not okay in Canada for First Nations people."
    Protesters, police and media gathered in front of the provincial legislature, while representatives from several First Nations communities spoke of the injustices being committed. Prominent among the issues was the continued expansion of the tar sands development in Chippewa, Alta. and the impact the project has had on First Nations communities.
    Lionel Lepine, who is from Chippewa called it a slow form of assassination.
    "I am not going to allow the system to rape and destroy our Mother Earth anymore," he said.
    The march began to move at noon with scores of colourful banners and signs from the many different groups represented in the march, such as Defenders of the Land, the Native Students Association and members from the Toronto Council Fire Cultural Center. Marching in solidarity were Education Workers for Native Rights, No One is Illegal and CUPE Ontario.
    The march peacefully proceeded south on University Avenue, stopping at the United States' embassy to express solidarity for First Nations people in the U.S. The next stop was Toronto City Hall, followed by a turn north on Bay Street and ending at Allan Gardens. Leading the march were red-shirted security guards holding the sacred eagle staff, who frequently reminded the crowd of activists and media to respect the ancient symbol of authority. The smell of burning sage and sounds of traditional First Nations music filled the air and attracted a large crowd of onlookers.
    Will Chen, an IT professional said that although these protest are disruptive to daily life in the city, he appreciates the spirit behind it all.
    "Every group has their own cause and the right to say something about it," he said.
    After the march, around 100 people gathered at the Urban Native Centre, to further discuss strengthening the ties between Aboriginal nations and allies in the fight for indigenous rights and sovereignty. Eight speakers from across Turtle Island spoke, mostly focusing on the need to build on the growing unity they said was demonstrated at the march.
     "The people who are in the offices of the prime minister, those are the people that haven't been listening. That's how come people at the community level need to take action to make the Canadian people aware that indigenous rights are something that they have to bring into recognition at a political on the ground level so that we can stop things like the Tar Sands, so that when there is development in our areas, we're the ones who decide that," said Art Manuel, a member of Defenders of the Land.