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But the founders of Idle No More made it clear that while they recognize Spence’s support and sacrifice, the movement is about all of Canada’s aboriginal people, not just its chiefs. Spence’s hunger strike began after rallies, teach-ins and a national day of action organized on Dec. 10.

“Chief Spence decided she would fast on that day as part of her action to support the Idle No More movement. It is very important this history is known,” the statement said. “We are very [grateful] for Theresa Spence’s honourable and courageous support, we also need to remember the face of Idle No More is also the grassroots people.”

Melissa Mollen Dupuis, who co-founded Idle No More’s Quebec branch, said she has seen aboriginal leaders try to co-opt the movement because of its growing popularity within First Nations communities.

“Of course there are chiefs and people who show up at an event, get their picture taken and then they go back behind a desk,” said Mollen Dupuis, a 34-year-old Innu artist. “But we know this is about all of us and not about them ….Also it’s worth noting that plenty of chiefs travel from far and wide just to give us support. We have our own internal governing problems on reserves, but this is larger than any of that.”

Mollen Dupuis said the debate over co-opting is a natural part of the movement’s evolution. But some say it’s a problem that stems from deeply rooted frustrations within the aboriginal community.

“[Idle No More] seems to be a rejection of aboriginal leadership, a rejection of local chiefs and chiefs on the national stage,” said Daniel Salee, a professor at Concordia University’s School of Community and Public Affairs. “People seem to feel as though their leaders aren’t working in their best interest or that they simply aren’t getting the job done.