Day of action is marked in Carcross

The Assembly First Nations' call for a national day of action was answered by the Carcross-Tagish First Nation (CTFN) today as it hosted the territory's only public rally for the cause.

The Assembly First Nations’ call for a national day of action was answered by the Carcross-Tagish First Nation (CTFN) today as it hosted the territory’s only public rally for the cause.

“We’ve got people here carrying signs for the march, there’s drumming and singing and there’s a fund-raising barbecue for the Blue Feather Youth Society,“

Deborah Baerg of the CTFN said at lunch time.

First nations groups along with supporters marked the day in a variety of ways across Canada that included marches, sit-ins and prayer circles.

In Whitehorse, a three-day Council of Yukon First Nations meeting occupied much of the territory’s aboriginal leaders.

“It’s unfortunate we don’t have every chief in the territory here,“ said John Edzerza, the NDP MLA for McIntyre-Takhini, before the march in Carcross.

“I believe there’s a number of issues that need some attention, especially youth ... and poverty needs to be addressed, whether it’s through single mothers or housing.“

As the beat of drummers provided an oral backdrop, Vuntut Gwitchin MLA Darius Elias talked of why he was in Carcross to take part.

“I’m in support of my fellow Yukoners here because these concerns are legitimate, so I’m here to listen and take part,“ he said.

“It’s a beautiful day here today and everybody is getting ready to do a peaceful march down the road and express their issues and concerns they have, primarily with the federal government.“

Rallies were also planned at the British Columbia legislature, in Prince Albert, Sask., the Northwest Territories, Toronto and Halifax.