In his year-end remarks on Monday, he said the government "continued to strengthen our relationship with First Nations", but did not mention Ms Spence.

BBC: Canada native hunger strike sparks Quebec blockade

In Mr Harper's year-end remarks on Monday, he said the government "continued to strengthen our relationship with First Nations", but did not mention Ms Spence.

BBC: Canada PM meets chiefs amid Teresa Spence hunger strike

First though, in Sudan, the government said yesterday that any United Nations peacekeeping troops coming to Darfur could be treated as invaders.

NPR: African Union Darfur Forces Look to UN for Help

The government talks of involving the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the first time, although it is not clear in what capacity.

ECONOMIST: The Karen