Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has decided to end the hunger strike she started on December 11 after representatives from the Assembly of First Nations and two Canadian opposition party caucuses endorsed a declaration of commitment to First Nations. Although Prime Minister Stephen Harper declined Spence\u2019s initial demand to meet with all Assembly of First Nations chiefs and Governor General David Johnston, the declaration outlines a broad pledge to pressing First Nations issues.<\/p>\n
Spence, who has lost some thirty pounds since making the decision to survive on water, therapeutic tea and fish broth, has been hospitalized. She has been placed on an intravenous drip in preparation to consume solid food for the first time in well over a month. Although Spence was admitted as a precautionary measure, it\u2019s unlikely she will be able to attend today\u2019s news conference, which marks the end of her principled action and the announcement of the declaration of commitment. Spence\u2019s spokesperson, Danny Metatawabin, has made clear that the end of the hunger strike doesn\u2019t mark the end of her fight.<\/p>\n
The 13-point declaration of commitment, meanwhile, addresses the omnibus bill that became a catalyst for the Idle No More movement. It demands a review of that bill, along with another, to comply with constitutional stipulations to confer with First Nations representatives. But it goes far beyond budget bills. It also calls for the realization of a framework to enforce treaties on a nation-to-nation basis\u2014honoring First Nations\u2019 indigenous sovereignty\u2014and public inquiry into violence against First Nations women.<\/p>\n