The group of protestors started off across the road on the median.
Indigenous people and other supporters were out in full force for the opening ceremonies of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights last Friday, September 19. They were standing outside the makeshift stands that were set up for the public to hear the guests of honour speak glowingly about the new museum.
The protestors made it difficult for the speakers to be heard as they came with bullhorn in hand so that they could have a voice. They were also carrying banners and waving flags.
With bullhorn in hand their voices were heard.
The protesters brought up several issues such as, missing and murdered indigenous women, clean drinking water, disrespect for sacred land (the museum is built on ancient burial grounds) and the need for the government to wake up and think about what they’re doing to the land and our children’s futures.
Carrying banners and flags, the protestors approached the gate.
After passing the bull horn around, the protestors approached the gate demanding to be let in. There were many police on hand and they formed a human wall on the other side of the fence.
The face off between protesters and police.
It looked pretty tense but both sides handled the situation quite well. The protestors weren’t let in, but they were heard.
Cheers to both sides for keeping the debate peaceful.
All photos by Doug Kretchmer
Videos by QUIDAM
To see videos of the protest, click on the links below:
1) (0:15) Canadian Museum for Human Rights opening ceremony Sept. 19, 2014
2) (1:05) CMHR protest- 1
3) (1:50) CMHR protest- 2
4) (2:12) CMHR protest- 3
5) (0:31) CMHR protest- 4
6) (3:43) CMHR protest- 5
7) (5:38) CMHR protest- 6
8) (0:39) CMHR protest- 7
9) (0:47) CMHR protest- 8
10) (2:25) CMHR protest- 9
11) (1:29) CMHR protest-10
12) 6378 (1:39) CMHR protest- 11
