On May 26, 2008, an estimated one thousand people converged in Queen's Park, seat of the Ontario Provincial Parliament, to support of the rights of the indigenous people of Canada.    

Members of the communities of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI), Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFN) and Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) came together for a Gathering of Mother Earth Protectors.  They were joined by many other First Nation and non-Aboriginal supporters for a kick-off rally and a four-day "Sovereignty Sleep-over" on the Parliament lawn.

Rally participants called for changes in antiquated Ontario mining laws and demanded respect for the right of First Nations communities to say "No" to economic exploitation and environmental destruction.  They also called for the release of AAFN former Chief Robert Lovelace and six members of the KI First Nation who had all been sentenced to 6 months in jail for failing to honor court injunctions that would have permitted mining companies unlimited access to their traditional lands.

Captives Released!

Two days after the rally, on May 28, a three-judge appeals panel granted Lovelace and the "KI Six" unconditional release, stayed their heavy fines, and limited their sentence to time served.

During a celebration in their honor at the Sovereignty Sleep-over, Lovelace said, "One day we will have our own jurisdiction over our own land, and it will not take away from anyone else's jurisdiction."  He also said, "Please be sure to express my thanks to CPT for all they have done."  

CPT played a significant role as part of a broad coalition of groups supporting the three indigenous communities' Gathering of Mother Earth Protectors, and the efforts to free Lovelace.