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January 25, 2013

Indigenous Chief Theresa Spence Ends 6-Week Hunger Strike in Canada 
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In Canada, the First Nations chief Theresa Spence has ended her six-week
fast following a pledge by key political figures to sign on to her
demands. Spence has gone without food since December 11 in protest of a
budget bill weakening environmental protections and indigenous rights.
Her action helped draw global attention to the "Idle No More" movement,
which has seen indigenous-led protests actions across Canada for several
months. Spence decided to end her fast after leaders of the Assembly of
First Nations and two Canadian opposition parties agreed to a series of
principles safeguarding indigenous rights. She has now been hospitalized
to help her recover.

 

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