Round dance to temporarily block Trans-Canada at Sask.-Man. border

Drivers heading eastbound on the Trans-Canada Highway on Friday evening should expect delays at the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border.

According to the RCMP, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), which represents 34 southern First Nation communities in Manitoba, is expected to hold a round dance on the road from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m Saskatchewan time.

Mounties are expected to be on scene and periodically directing traffic through the border crossing during the event.

RCMP are advising the public to expect traffic delays in both directions on #MBHwy1 at the Manitoba – Saskatchewan border due to a planned protest b/w 5:30 & 7:30 pm. This protest will slow down traffic considerably. #rcmpmb officers will be on scene ensuring public safety.

— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) September 13, 2019

On its website, the SCO wrote that Friday’s planned “Unity Dance” is one in a series across Manitoba. The dances are being held in response to the recent provincial election in Manitoba and the upcoming federal election.

“The peaceful, mobilizing dances are held in response to the encroachment on First Nations’ rights, and blatant disregard for the well-being of our people by provincial and federal governments. Jurisdiction on First Nations communities belongs to First Nations people only,” the SCO wrote in a post on Aug. 27.

“Leading up to a rushed provincial and federal election this fall, members of leadership in SCO communities are raising awareness of our issues to ensure they are priorities in the platforms and plans of potential Canadian elected officials.”

Dances are expected to be held across Manitoba every Friday leading up to the federal election on Oct. 21.