Idle No More protesters march across Halifax bridge

Idle No More protesters march across the Macdonald Bridge in Halifax on Monday, January 28, 2013.

Aboriginal Peoples and their supporters battled the cold today in the hopes of making a difference.

Idle No More demonstrations were held across the country, with two events taking place in the Maritimes.

The protest was part of a World Day of Action as MPs returned to the House of Commons in Ottawa.

More than 200 people battled the bitter cold as they marched across the Macdonald Bridge from Dartmouth into Halifax, beating drums, chanting and waving flags in protest of Bill C-45.

One lane of the three-lane bridge was shut down to accommodate the activists.

“Treaty rights affect everyone, not just natives, and it affects out environment, it affects everyone,” said one protester.

“We believe that we have to place a lot more emphasis on environmental protection in our country and that’s what we’re out here to support today,” said another.

Demonstrators continued their peaceful march through the city’s north end and onto the Halifax Common.

Organizer Marina Young said today’s rally shows Canadians that Halifax stands firm with the rest of the country.

“There’s a fire lit under the movement and Chief Spence, we can accredit her for her participation, her action that’s inspired us to do more than what we have been doing,” said Young. “We’ve been idle and we’re not going to be idle anymore.”

An event in support of the nationwide Idle No More campaign was also held in Sackville, N.B. today.

Brandy Bernard told CTV News she is worried about her future if the bill becomes law.

“I’m proud to be here. I’m proud to be native and I’m proud to be fighting for my land, fighting for our land, our water,” says the 14-year-old.

Organizers in Halifax said today’s event isn’t the end for Idle No More in the city. They have also planned a videoconference at Dalhousie University this week as well as a youth conference.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Suzette Belliveau