OTTAWA, Ont.  – Aboriginal protests against recent federal legislation are gaining momentum, with at least one prominent chief vowing to die for her people.
    
Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat started a hunger strike this morning, hoping to persuade the prime minister and the Queen to build a better relationship with aboriginal leaders.
    
Spence’s northern Ontario community was at the centre of an international media storm last year because of a winter housing crisis.
    
Thousands of protesters in cities across the country took to the streets Monday in what has been dubbed the Idle No More movement against what they say are unilateral actions by the Harper government.
    
They are angry over a number of bills before Parliament, including one that would force First Nations to disclose their financial statements and the salaries of chiefs and councillors.
    
They are particularly upset with Bill C-45, the government’s omnibus budget legislation, which they say weakens environmental laws.