Saskatchewan protesters gather on Indigenous Day of Action

Protesters were gathering at a Husky gas station in Regina Monday to demand action on Indigenous issues.

They werepart of protests across Canada to mark Indigenous Day of Action.

Organizers saidIndigenous "land and water protectors" wouldbe joined by environmentalists and labour organizers at the gas station on the north end of thecity.

They want Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to commit to "deeds, not words" when it comes to Indigenous issues.

Protester Wendy-Lynn Lerat said Trudeau's election promiseto engage with Indigenous people about protecting land from oil and mining hasn't happened. Now in the wake of a pipeline spill in Saskatchewan, Ottawa needs to react.

"It's severely impacted ...the ability for sustainable livelihoodin many Indigenous communities," she said. "Industries ... are poisoning our waters and it's a real tragedy.

As part of that, they're calling on the Prime Minister to cease fossil fuel expansion and to immediately start moving Canada toward green energy, transit, and homes.

It tookplace at the gas station at 5330 Rochdale Blvd. Sunday afternoon.

The Husky brand has been in the news lately after a Husky oil pipeline ruptured earlier this year, releasing as much as 250,000 litres of oil and chemicals into the North Saskatchewan River.

Meanwhile, a separategroup was marching in Fort Qu'Appelle, about 70 kilometres northeast of Regina.

The Stand in Solidarity with Standing Rock groupsupportsNative American protesters in North Dakota who have been working to stop a pipeline project.

Demonstration organizer Katie Wilson saidTrudeauneeds to make good on his promises torepair the government's relationship with Indigenous people.

"JustinTrudeau, ever since he became the Prime Minister of Canada he's made a lot of promises especially to Indigenous people saying he's going to establish a new relationships. It's been just words and no actions," Wilson said.

She added Ottawa needs to take a tougher stance on fossil fuels and change to culture in Canada towards green energy.

Demonstrators say they're also worried about environmental damage to the nearbyQu'Appelle Valley Lakes and want the dumping of contaminants in the waterway to end.