After more than a month of protests, hunger strikes and a meeting between some aboriginal leaders and the prime minister, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding Idle No More, the grassroots movement started in Saskatchewan to oppose Bill C-45, the government's second omnibus budget implementation legislation.
Part of the confusion stems from demands made by Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation (Ontario) for a meeting with Stephen Harper and Governor General David Johnston to address inherent and treaty rights.
Perhaps pressured, although he says not, by the growing Idle No More nationwide rallies, the prime minister agreed to meet with Spence and other First Nations leaders last Friday.
Meanwhile, Spence came under fire after a leaked audit raised questions about the reserves accounting practices. Spence dismissed the controversy as a "distraction."
As the much-anticipated meeting approached last week, Spence and some of the other chiefs, notably Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, refused to attend unless Johnston was present.
This led to criticism about fractures in First Nations leadership and that there was no coherent goal associated with the movement.
Not so, said Renae Shingoose, the primary organizer of Yorkton area Idle No More events.
"The purpose for Idle No More is protecting Mother Nature and bringing our people together in unity," she said.
After a torturous week last week, on Monday, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn Atleo was forced, "on doctor's orders" to temporarily step down from his position.
Critics of Atleo called the meeting a failure, while others believe it was a starting point for further negotiation.
In the midst of all of this, Sylvia McAdam, one of the co-founders of Idle No More, reiterated the goal of the movement.
Referring to the results of Friday's meeting, she said, "It doesn't begin to address what Idle No More is attempting to stop and that's the legislation that's going through parliament."
McAdam and her three co-founders started the movement because, they say, First Nations were not consulted, contrary to indigenous rights. Harper may not have a choice but to listen. By law, governments in Canada have the duty to consult with aboriginal groups when making decisions that may adversely impact lands and resources subject to aboriginal claims, something the Supreme Court of Canada has upheld as recently as 2010.
Whatever the outcome of Friday's meeting or future consultations between First Nations leaders and the government and/or crown, the grassroots movement shows no signs of slowing down, either nationally or locally.
Shingoose does not let any of the perceived controversy or division keep her from looking forward.
"I'm focussing on the positive," she said. "I'm keeping faith and hope in our leaders. Perhaps this can be a changing point for us."
Inspired by the movement, Shingoose felt it was incumbent upon her to do something because of her position as princess of the Cote First Nation.
"I wanted to motivate the youth," she said. "I also wanted to bring together the community of Yorkton in unity."
When Shingoose says community, she explained, she does not mean just First Nations people. The founders of Idle No More have always stated they believe the legislation in question is not just bad for indigenous people, but all Canadians.
And she is grateful for the support they have received locally.
"I would like to thank the RCMP and the Yorkton people for their cooperation during our protests," she said.
While Idle No More events continue in various places on a daily basis, the next big event is a World Day of Action planned for January 28.
As a fundraiser for local activities on January 28, Shingoose is currently taking orders for Indian tacos, which a basically similar to regular tacos, but on bannock instead of tortillas. She will deliver them Friday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
