Idle No More rally draws 300 to Manitoba legislature

First Nations across Canada are holdingrallies to express opposition toproposed legislation by thefederalgovernment thatthey feel is a direct attack on aboriginalrights.

Thenational day of action and solidarity, called Idle No More, drew about 300 protesters to the Manitoba legislative grounds despite the bitter coldon Monday, the CBC's Tiar Wilson reports.

Many heldsigns and flags in protest to Bill C-45, the federal government's omnibus budget bill.

Itproposes significant changes to the Indian Act, including changes to land management on reserves that makeit easier for the federal government to control reserve land, rally organizers said.

The Idle No More movement emerged about four weeks ago in Saskatchewan as an effort to educate First Nations people on the multitude of legislation being put forward by the government.

People at the Winnipeg rally chanted, "We have a voice" alongside traditionaldrummers and singers.

Organizers said the rally is also abouta larger issue, that ofthe federal government'shabit of making changes to the Indian Act without consultingFirst Nations people beforehand.