Several Indigenous groups will be meeting downtown this afternoon to show their support for First Nations lobster farmers.

Originally slated to be part of a country-wide demonstration in solidarity of Mi'kmaw fishers, in Winnipeg organizers are changing gears due to concerns over gathering sizes.

A Horse and Spirit Ride is currently happening in Winnipeg.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., Manitoba Metis Federation and Southern Chiefs' Organization are organizing the ride. Bear Clan is in attendance. In a Facebook Live video, Bear Clan says the Winnipeg Police Service is joining the group in solidarity.

The ride will end around 2 p.m. at the Manitoba Legislative Building. Those who join are asked to distance and wear masks but are being reminded that there are current gathering size restrictions in Winnipeg.

The group instead is asking people to show their support by going online.

"Send us a selfie of yourself with your sign and/or your message of solidarity for Mi'kmaq fishers--we will share on multiple social media platforms (we are using the hashtags #MikmaqRights and #AllEyesOnMikmaki)," the event page says.

At 2 p.m. the group has speakers lined up including:

  • AFN Regional Chief Kevin Hart
  • SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
  • MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee
  • Minister Will Goodon, Manitoba Metis Federation

The organizers hope to broadcast the event online.