Cross Posted from: CBC News Manitoba
Youth from three Manitoba First Nations marched into Winnipeg to seek action on Manitoba’s waterways.
Youth from Manitoba First Nations arrived in Winnipeg on Monday, after walking hundreds of kilometres to protest changes to federal environmental laws that they say will harm their land.
More than 50 youth, mainly from the Jackhead First Nation, spent the past four days marching about 250 kilometres from their home reserve to the capital city, stopping only to sleep.
Young people from the Fisher River and Peguis First Nations joined the walk along the way. They finished their trek in front of the Manitoba legislature late Monday afternoon.
“Without these youth, there is no future,” event organizer Ben Raven said on the front steps of the legislative building.
The protesters are opposed to Bill C-45, also known as the second omnibus budget bill, which was recently passed by the House of Commons and Senate.
Critics say the legislation will make harmful changes to Canadian lands, natural resources and waterways.
The Jackhead First Nation is located on the shore of Lake Winnipeg, which was recently named the world’s most threatened lake for 2013 by the Global Nature Fund.
The youth who marched to Winnipeg say they won’t stop protesting until the legislation is revisited.
