First Nations protestors from the "Idle No More" movement demonstrate at the border crossing between Canada and the United States in Sarnia, Ontario, January, 5, 2013. (REUTERS/Geoff Robins)
MARYSVILLE, ONT. - Mohawk protesters blocked the Canadian National rail line on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory east of Belleville as part of the Idle No More national protest for better federal treatment of First Nations.
Protester Niki Storms of Tyendinaga said the protest began at about 4 p.m. Saturday. It was the second such protest in less than a week; a brief blockade occurred peacefully Dec. 30.
The group blocked the rail crossing at Wyman Rd. south of Hwy. 401 just west of Deseronto.
"We have the world's attention," Tyendinaga's Dan Doreen said of the Idle No More movement. "We have the world's support.
"This country and the government of Canada need to put indigenous people across this country within the rightful place in society," he said.
He and Storms would not say how many protesters were involved – vehicles and people arrived and departed periodically – but around 25 could be seen during the first few hours.
With five border crossings, bridges rail lines blocked in several places across the country Saturday, he said, First Nations chiefs will have more support when they meet Jan. 11 with federal officials.
