Protesters at Regina's INAC office say they won't leave until their demands are met

Seven days after first pitching their tents, people remain camped out in front of Regina'sIndigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) office.

Signs, fastened to the sides of tents along Albert Street, read "standing strong together" and "honk support change for First Nations".

Some cars honk as they drive by.

"We're here because we're tired of the Indian Act interfering," said MirandaHanus.

Hanussaid one of the group's demands is that Regina'sINACoffice "unlock their doors, reopen their space and services to the public and meet the needs of the people they serve."

Last week,the office was closed and a fence was set up around it.

• Vancouver occupation of INAC office ends

• Fence set up in front of Regina INAC office where protesters rally

Today, the group put a press release on itsFacebookpagestating that on the eve of Prime Minister JustinTrudeau'svisit to Saskatchewan, it "demands more than leftover sandwiches."

• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Saskatchewan on Tuesday

In addition to the reopening of the city's downtownINACoffice, the group is requesting a meeting withsenior staff.

"If a group of people were camped out on my front lawn for a week, I would go outside and talk to them," saidNightKinistino, a protest participant quoted in the statement.

Hanusexplained that the group does not plan to leave the site until these two demands are met.

"They locked the doors as soon as we showed up," saidHanus.

"We need to dismantle the Indian Act. We want to have our own affairs. We want to be able to negotiate better. The Indian Act just spreads more colonialism. Brings in middle managers with chief and council."

Hanusreferred to thePrime Minister's planned visit to Fort Qu'Appelle on Tuesdayas a "flyover," noting that he is more than welcome to visit the protest's camp in Regina.

Similar protests were held atINACoffices throughout Canada. Some havesince dissolvedfollowing meetingsbetween protesters and government officials.

• INAC offices offer limited services as protesters remain at offices across Canada

Initially, many gathered to object to conditions that exist on some Canadian reserves following asuicide crisis inAttawapiskat.

However, the complexity of the demands made at the protests are not lost on those asking for change.

INAC willing to meet

INACsaidit is willing to meet with protesters at its Regina office.

"We recognize and support the public's right to engage in peaceful protests and lawful assembly and are balancing that against the need to ensure public and staff well-being," wrote a spokesperson for INAC in an email to CBC News.

"We recognize the importance of the grassroots voices that are speaking up on the need for urgent progress on key issues in Indigenous communities," read the email.

The INAC spokesperson noted the federal ministry remains focused on "the work that must be done in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to create healthy communities, based on recognition of rights, cooperation and respect."

Last week,INACissued a news releasestatingoffices are staffed but operating in a limited capacity "due to exceptional circumstances."

People are sharing news about the protests on social media, using the #OccupyINAC hashtag.