Former Member

First Nations elder Raymond Robinson abruptly ends hunger protest

OTTAWA — The Canadian Press, PublishedTuesday, Apr. 09 2013, 5:59 PM EDT,Last updatedTuesday, Apr. 09 2013, 6:24 PM EDT, Source

Elder Raymond Robinson shares a laugh with Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence on Jan. 24, 2013, after Ms. Spence ended her six-week hunger strike in Ottawa. [CHRIS WATTIE/REUTERS)

Elder Raymond Robinson shares a laugh with Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence on Jan. 24, 2013, after Ms. Spence ended her six-week hunger strike in Ottawa. -- (CHRIS WATTIE/REUTERS)

A First Nations leader from Manitoba who began a hunger strike last week over Ottawa’s treatment of aboriginal people now says he has ended his protest.

Grand Elder Raymond Robinson had been refusing to eat or drink unless and until Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed to a meaningful dialogue with aboriginal leaders.

He also wanted the federal government to sit down with First Nations on a “nation to nation” basis.

But today, Mr. Robinson – of Manitoba’s Cross Lake First Nation – took to Twitter to say he’d decided to end his strike, although he didn’t say why.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo says he met last weekend with Mr. Robinson, who expressed frustration at the plight of Canada’s aboriginal communities.

Mr. Atleo says he reminded Mr. Robinson that while First Nations people encourage spiritual actions, they should be confined to within certain boundaries.

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Former Member

Do you think our Afro brothers from Guyana can make a similar sacrifice to protest the government rather than burning down everything in its path? The Lindeners must take note how to make sacrifices and behave in a civil manner.

4/9/137:26 PM

Former Member

D2 and others need to worry about the discrimination in their own backyards before trying to tell the Amerindians that the PPP is exploiting them.

4/9/137:55 PM

cainTired old hippie

What gives here, is this story about he or she? Kinda confusing.

"Elder Raymond Robinson shares a laugh with Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence on Jan. 24, 2013, after Ms. Spence ended her six-week hunger strike in Ottawa. -- (CHRIS WATTIE/REUTERS)"

A First Nations leader from Manitoba who began a hunger strike last week over Ottawa’s treatment of aboriginal people now says he has ended his protest.

4/9/138:12 PM