So the question is -- how can you, an average non-indigenous, non-activist, yet conscientious citizen of Canada, support us?

At the World Day of Action, January 28th in Regina, I picked up literature left on a chair. Dodie Ferguson of CUPW, Local 820, Regina, Saskatchewan has created a pamphlet entitled, "Idle No More For ALL Citizens: Communication and Understanding the Importance of Supporting the Idle No More Movement".

Here is the text:

"We Need to Share with All Citizens the Importance of Protecting Our Lands, For Everyone.

"Idle No More for everyone... Legislative changes like Bill C-38 and 45 affect everyone in Canada, not everyone in Canada has the same legal basis for fighting back. A majority government can and is passing laws that most Canadians, having cast their ballots long ago, are now powerless to prevent; First Nations, on the other hand, have a unique leverage here.

"We are issuing legal challenges to the omnibus bills on the basis of infringement on treaty rights, land title, and constitutional questions. I believe it's in the best interests of people who care about the environment to support this.

"We are in this together.

"We all need to realize that First Nations and non-indigenous Canadians have common goals and interests that go well beyond any one pipeline or province; they extend across the country. We need to support each other in walking the paths that will achieve our common goals.

"The Challenge...

"So the question is -- how can you, an average non-indigenous, non-activist, yet conscientious citizen of Canada, support us?

"It's about common goals, not colonial guilt.

"Here are a few ideas on how you can be Idle No More:

1. Go to the rallies.
2. Get educated.
3. Challenge stereotypes.
4. Confront racism.
5. Participate in democracy.
6. Realize this isn't about blame.
7. Write Letters to the Editor.
8. Be a leader.

"Be willing to break the taboos of discussing treaty or inherent rights with your neighbor, friend... it's only through active dialogue that we will reach understanding.

"All people are affected by Harper's actions. It's not just Treaty First Nations, these bills affect everyone and we need to be aware of the consequences. We need to realize our silence is our compliance." -- Sylvia McAdam, Idle No More

"Idle No More is... a diverse social movement that originates with the grass roots actions of Aboriginal peoples of Canada BUT the reality is that all citizens of Mother Earth require clean, potable water in order to survive. We all need livable land to raise our children. Idle No More is about more than the treaty rights of First Nations, it's about the inherent right to be guardians of the land."

Again, this pamphlet was created by Dodie Ferguson of CUPW, Local 820, Regina, Saskatchewan  entitled, "Idle No More For ALL Citizens: Communication and Understanding the Importance of Supporting the Idle No More Movement".