First Nations leaders meet to clarify demands, want Jan. 24 meeting with Harper

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - First Nations leaders are meeting today to clarify the demands of hunger-striker Chief Theresa Spence, in the hopes of getting closer to a resolution.

National Chief Shawn Atleo is meeting several key regional chiefs from the area surrounding Spence's Attawapiskat reserve in northern Ontario, as well as NDP MP Charlie Angus, who represents part of the region.

At the same time, Atleo has issued what he calls an urgent invitation to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston to meet chiefs on Jan. 24 — the one-year anniversary of Harper's summit with First Nations.

Harper has not agreed to meet Spence, but Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan has tried repeatedly to speak with her, to no avail.

Spence is now on the 24th day of her liquids-only hunger strike.