Supporters of the Idle No More movement marked a day of action on Monday, with demonstrations held across Canada, including in Winnipeg.
A number of students walked from three Manitoba First Nations to reach the rally in Winnipeg, which drew hundreds of participants at the legislative building.
Dwight Kennedy, 15, from Bloodvein First Nation helped organize the rally.
He said he hopes his efforts will lead to a better life for his people.
Idle No More demonstrations were held across the country on Jan. 28, as First Nations protestors joined other activists to oppose Stephen Harper's changes to environmental oversight and urge action on native rights. About 200 protesters gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
In Winnipeg, a large round dance was held and acclaimed singer Buffy Sainte-Marie addressed the hundreds of people at the rally in front of the legislative building.
Niigaan Sinclair teaches aboriginal studies at the University of Manitoba.
He's addressed people in New York and Los Angeles and will be holding a lecture for students at Yale University on Idle No More.
"These issues are not just about Canada or First Nations. We're talking about a worldwide global movement," said Sinclair.
Some rally participants in Winnipeg said the recent protests mark only the beginning.
"I think we're moving into the next phase, just like a storm. We start with a light rain and a little bit of a drizzle. Then, we head into the lightning, wind and storms and then we have a settling after the storm," said Wayne Moneyas, a Hollow Water First Nation councillor.
- with files from The Canadian Press
