Protesters gathered at Queen's Park on Friday for a peaceful demonstration supporting the native national day of action.
Demonstrators rallied at the University of Toronto and marched to the provincial legislature. The group met at King's College Circle at noon, and reached the south lawn of Queen's Park around 1 p.m.
The demonstration, one of many across the country, was meant to draw attention to native issues in Canada. Speakers addressed the need for change, and food, music and dancing were planned to highlight native culture. A smaller group of protesters also marched through the city's financial district.
First Nations called for governments to take immediate action to improve their quality of life, recognize their rights, and let native groups assume more control over programs and services.
"I have no fear of anyone or anything including death -- I am the warrior woman," one speaker said during the protest. "I will continue to struggle for justice for all oppressed people."
"As long as there's oppression and corporate greed, no one is truly free."
Some protesters hailed the day as the first step in a more diligent plan to get their concerns addressed.
"Today's not just one day of action, it is...a beginning where First Nations people can become full partners in this country," said another speaker.
Ferry service between downtown Toronto and the city's island airport was suspended for about one hour, also starting at noon, for the day of action.
Toronto Port Authority spokesman Ken Lundy said the closure is in honour of a request from Chief Bryan LaForme of the Mississaugas-New Credit First Nation.
The aboriginal group has an outstanding land claims dispute centered on the site of the island airport (at the foot of Bathurst Street).
National Chief Phil Fontaine told CTV's Canada AM Friday that the Day of Action was "designed to reach out to Canadians."
He said there is no excuse for poor-water quality, lack of education and staggering poverty to continue amoung native peoples in a country like Canada.
Other native groups blocked Ontario roadways, deterring traffic the day before the long weekend.
Highway 401 reopened between Napanee and Belleville Friday after a group of about 40 Mohawks, led by Shawn Brant, closed secondary Highway 2 and the CN rail line near Deseronto
Native demonstrators also blocked roads leading in and out of a reserve in Alderville, Northumberland County, located halfway between Toronto and Kingston.
Const. George Silvestri said both the north and south ends of Alderville were blocked early Friday by demonstrators.
Another country road near Bala, a popular Muskoka town, was also blocked.
Anticipating the disruption, Via Rail suspended travel Friday on the heavily used Montreal-Toronto and Ottawa-Toronto corridors -- affecting plans for an estimated 5,000 people.
With a report from CTV's Austin Delaney and files from The Canadian Press
