One of Idle No More’s founders says reclaiming public spaces is a big part of the movement.
Sheelah McLean says no one should underestimate the power of the Indigenous round dances, singing and drumming that have taken place in public parks and shopping malls.
She says it is grassroots expressions like these that have the potential force to change society.
McLean adds Idle No More is redefining history in a different way that moves beyond the confines of colonialism and capitalism.
She says the movement provides a tremendous opportunity for grassroots people to redefine history in their own narrative.
McLean also says Idle No More has given various artists an opportunity to express what Indigenous sovereignty, environmental sustainability and a racism-free society means to them.
She adds a number of artists continue to join the movement each day.
McLean was speaking at the University of Saskatchewan yesterday as part of a discussion called Artistic Responses to Idle No More.