Canadian PM says he will meet Aboriginal leaders nearly a month after chief began protest

TORONTO – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he will meet with a delegation of Aboriginal leaders almost a month after one chief began a liquids-only protest.

Chief Theresa Spence has been pushing to meet with Harper over a bill that includes amendments to Canada's Indian Act. Critics say the changes undermine Aboriginal treaties and remove environmental safeguards for rivers and lakes.

Spence has been subsisting on fish broth and tea since Dec. 11 and living in a tent across from Parliament.

Harper said Friday that the talks next week will focus on treaty relationships, aboriginal rights and economic development.