Conflict Escalates At Caledonia

BY: SHANNON BURNS

INDIAN TIME - Vol. 24 #16 - Onerahtokha / April 27, 2006 Edition - Page 1 & 7

The Seaway International Bridge was temporarily closed Friday as Mohawks marched halfway up to hang flags in a showing of support for Six Nations protestors in Caledonia who are fighting to keep land they say was illegally taken from them.

Beginning on Friday morning, dozens of Mohawks, representing both of Akwesasne's Longhouses, stood along International Road on Cornwall Island, handing out flyers and speaking to reporters. At roughly 1 p.m. the supporters picked up their Warrior flags and Haudenosaunee flags and began marching up the bridge, forcing bridge authorities to close traffic off completely.

When they reached the top, brave flag holders climbed the iron to the bridge's highest point - not accessible by the average pedestrian - to hang the two flags on either side.

"We're trying to bring awareness to the plight of our brothers," said John Boots. "We're concerned with what transpired."

On April 20, police marched into the Caledonia protest site where hundreds of Six Nations people had been camped out since February. Several individuals were arrested, after having been warned for a month and a half that they would be if they didn't vacate the property.

The land in question is part of the Haldimand Tract - a parcel of land given to Six Nations by the British Crown following the American Revolution. During the 1800s, ownership of parts of the parcel changed hands, though how that occurred is part of the present-day controversy. The Canadian government believes they received the land back fairly, and the Six Nations elected Council agrees. The Traditional Six Nations government, however, believes the land was stolen and should be returned to them.

A private developer purchased part of the parcel several years ago and has been building a subdivision there. Six Nations protestors have taken over the lot, blocked off the passing road, and are demanding that the Federal government intervene and give the land back to the Six Nations territory.

In early March a Judge ordered the protestors off the land and police were expected to enforce his Ruling any day. That day arrived during the early morning of April 20. Armed police faced waiting protestors, who were armed themselves with "axes, crowbars, rocks and a various assortment of make-shift batons", police said. Three police officers were reportedly injured, though the extent of their injuries was not known.

Stacey Boots, an Akwesasne Mohawk was one of 16 arrested. He and several other Akwesasneronen went to Six Nations last month to support them in their efforts.

Following the announcement of the arrests, Mohawks around Indian country stepped forward to lend support.

A group of Mohawks at Tyendinaga blocked railroad tracks, putting a temporary halt to the VIA Rail system between Toronto and Montreal, and also to the CN transport system.

At Kahnawake, Mohawks blocked traffic on the Mercier Bridge for half an hour.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, though not an official part of the Cornwall Island demonstration, formally announced their support of the Caledonia protestors Friday.

"We are in support of Good Faith negotiations, but this can only be accomplished with a firm commitment by Canada to insure that negotiations occur at a senior level," said MCA Grand Chief Angie Wahienhawi Barnes. "This issue at hand is a civil dispute, not a criminal act. Let cooler heads prevail to work together to avert another Ipperwash. Respect and recognition of First Nations interest is required to diffuse the situation, and court injunctions and orders must be stayed to allow the OPP to stand back."

Following the April 20 raid, police secured the protest site for a short time but it has since taken over again by demonstrators and Caledonia residents reacted Monday night.

CALEDONIA REACTS

Fed up with what they say is a lack of enforcement on the part of police, hundreds of Caledonia residents held a town meeting Monday and then angrily marched to the protest site, demanding that the Mohawks take down their road blockade. The residents were stopped by a wall of police, but angry words were exchanged, and racial slurs were shouted at the Six Nations protestors.

Caledonia's Mayor was tearful following the incident and emphasized how divided the issue issplitting families and friends after years of peaceful living. The Mayor, who has blamed previous conflicts on Mohawks coming from other reservations, has been criticized herself for making statements protestors believe to be racist. In a CBC interview, Mayor Marie Trainer said that Caledonia has been economically hurt by the two-month long protest and "don't have money coming in automatically every month."

Six Nations protestors Clyde Powless confronted the Mayor on that issue.

"I'm deeply saddened by comments I've heard you made about my people waiting for a monthly cheque," he said angrily as he pointed his finger at her.

On April 22, officials announced that the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations and the Canadian government agreed to appoint representatives "who will develop a detailed work plan and agreement that will provide for the implementation of constructive and effective ways to address and resolve the various outstanding issues." The representatives would work together to form a draft agreement to resolve the issues at hand.