MONTREAL, QUEBEC – A group of Indigenous rights activists in Canada have launched a hunger strike to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles for land rights and recognition of Indigenous sovereignty. The strike, which began on July 15, 2026, has gained momentum with supporters across the country rallying behind the cause. The protesters are demanding that the Canadian government recognize and respect Indigenous title to their ancestral lands, and provide greater autonomy and control over their communities.
The hunger strike is organized by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), a national organization that represents the interests of over 600 First Nations communities. The AFN has been advocating for Indigenous rights and self-determination for decades, but has faced significant resistance from the Canadian government. The current hunger strike is a response to the government’s refusal to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Canada, which recognizes Indigenous peoples’ rights to their lands and resources.
As the hunger strike enters its third week, supporters are gathering in cities across Canada to show their solidarity with the protesters. The movement has also gained international attention, with activists and organizations from around the world expressing their support for the cause. The Canadian government has so far remained silent on the issue, but the hunger strike is expected to continue until the government takes concrete action to address the demands of Indigenous peoples.