Organizer, Robyn Pitawanakwat. Photo by Manfred Joehnck
The protesters were not forced off, they chose to end their camp, saying they had made their point, but would continue to push to improve the living conditions for Canada’s Aboriginal people.
There was some sadness, but also a feeling of accomplishment as a handful of occupiers pulled up stakes and folded up their tents Sunday morning. The “Colonialism No More” protest camp has been a fixture in front of the Regina INAC office since April 18th.
Organizer Robyn Pitawanakwat says it was a chance for the grassroots people to be heard and for INAC to listen. She says officials did that on Saturday when they participated in a community hall meeting. She is also grateful for all the support the group has received.
“Thank you so much,” Pitawanakwat said. “We are grateful for every car honk, every meal, every drop in visitor — it’s been wonderful.”
One of the protesters who was there for the long hall was Prescott Demas. He wandered into the camp from Winnipeg four months ago. He was proud to be part of it, and says he learned a lot about himself from the people he met.
“Just that comradery, that family — that community spirit here. It helped me look at myself and change myself,” he said.
The Saskatchewan Coalition Against Racism was a big supporter of the camp. Spokesman, Bob Hughes says it helped get people thinking and talking.
“It’s been a spark,” he said. “These are long-term issues that are not going to be changed by the camp, but the start can happen here.”
Organizers plan to set up a smaller, but permanent version of the solidarity camp in Regina.
