Over the past few years, First Nations peoples have established a National Day of Action each summer to protest and make known their grievances with the provincial and federal governments. In previous years these protests have included blocking traffic on Hwy 401 and other highways along with blockages of rail lines.
This year, coinciding with the G8/G20 a group called Red Power United is calling for First Nations communities to protest on June 24 (Thursday before the G8/G20). A website and Facebook page have called for demonstrations at Queens Park in Toronto, the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, and to shut down highways and railways across the province. One entry states that a highway between Hamilton and Toronto will be closed and calls for First Nations people to coordinate other highway closures with each other.
Anger over the HST and its impacts to First Nations people, land claim disputes, fishing / hunting rights, natural resource disputes etc. will be some of the issues being publicized with the protests.
Travel plans in Ontario for June 24??? Bring your patience and alternate route map along with you...
