Some Relevant Provincial Government Links

"About Land Claims: Aboriginal Land Claims and the Federal and Provincial Governments" Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs
http://www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca/english/negotiate/about.htm

"Six Nations (Caledonia) Negotiations" Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs
http://www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca/english/caledonia/

"Six Nations (Caledonia) Negotiations: What's New Archive" Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs
http://www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca/english/caledonia/whatsnew_archive.htm

"Six Nations (Caledonia) Negotiations: Frequently Asked Questions"
http://www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca/english/caledonia/faq.htm

"Six Nations (Caledonia) Negotiations: Costs to Date"
http://www.aboriginalaffairs.osaa.gov.on.ca/english/news/news_061102.html

Some Relevant Links.

Haldimand County
(1) Haldimand County 2006 Press Releases (NB: Documents of particular relevance generally refer to "Douglas Creek Estates")
http://www.haldimandcounty.on.ca/includes/list-directory.asp?folder=/Documents/main/newsreleases/2006

"Caledonia Class Action Website
(1) http://www.caledoniaclassaction.com/index.htm

Caledonia Citizens' Alliance Group
"The Caledonia Citizens Alliance is a group of Caledonia and area citizens who have informally and voluntarily responded to the First Nations protest. The Alliance functions as a voice and advocate for recovery and renewal for the community, businesses, households and service clubs by providing information, support and planning."
http://www.caledoniacitizensalliance.com/


Sites Associated with those protesting the Six Nations 'occupation'
(1) "Caledonia Wake Up Call"
http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com
This site is associated with Gary McHale (a man from Richmond Hill who has been active in organizing protests against the Six Nations protesters in Caledonia).

(2) "Voice of Canada"
http://voiceofcanada.wordpress.com/
This site is "edited" by Mark Vandermaas (has been active in organizing protests against the Six Nations protesters as well).

(3) "Citizens of Caledonia"
http://www.citizensofcaledonia.ca/
*This site shows support with sites such as McHale's "Caledonia Wake Up Call" or Vandermaas's Voice of Canada.


Below are a number of sites which relate to the Six Nations and the conflict in Caledonia. These sites are either directly relating to Six Nations (i.e. the first link) or are sites that have been created in support of Six Nations land claims ('reclamation') in Caledonia.

(1) Six Nations Council Website (Elected Council)
http://www.sixnations.ca/

(2) Haudenosaunee Home Page
http://www.sixnations.org/

(3) Iroquois Confederacy Links
http://www.kahonwes.com/links1/links.html

(4) "Six Nations of Grand River Reserve" - Brief overview (The Pauline Johnson Archive, McMaster University)
http://www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/~pjohnson/six.html

(5) Turtle Island Native Network News site on Land Claims
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-sixnations.htm

(6) Friends of First Nations
http://friendsofsixnations.bravehost.com/

(7) "Honour Six Nations" - CommUNITY Friends for Peace and Understanding with Six Nations
http://www.honorsixnations.com/index.html

(8) Autonomy & Solidarity - Six Nations Caledonia Resource Page
http://auto_sol.tao.ca/node/view/2012

(9) NDN News and Native American Issues and Causes
http://www.ndnnews.com/Caledonia%20Occupation.htm

(10) Settlers in Support of Indigenous Sovereignty
http://www.ndnnews.com/Caledonia%20Occupation.htm

(11) Audio interviews with Hazel Hill, Clyde Powless, and Janie Jamieson on McMaster University student radio
http://www.radio4all.net/proginfo.php?id=17785


NEWLY ADDED LINKS:
(12) "Online home for Six Nations reclaimers and supporters and those interested in learning and discussing - all welcome!"
www.reclamationinfo.com

(13) "Canadians for Aboriginal Rights: Boards for two Six Nations solidarity groups and Canada-wide discussion of aboriginal issues of importance to Canadians."
cfar.proboards104.com






Independent Media - Hamilton
(1) Hamilton Independent Media Center
http://hamilton.indymedia.org/feature/display/21/index.php


Aboriginal Media Sources
(1)Radio station on the Six Nations reserve.
http://www.ckrz.com/index.html

(2) "First Prespective National Aboriginal News: Ongoing reports behind the Native Lines at Caledonia"
http://www.firstperspective.ca/fp_template.php?path=20060421caledonia

Some Relevant Federal Government Websites.

"Backgrounder on the claims of the Six Nations of Grand River Band of Indians"
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/j-a2006/snjsbk_e.html

"Fact Sheet: Aboriginal Claims in Canada"
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/pr/info/acc_e.html


Department of Indian and Northern Affairs: Chronology of Events at Caledonia
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/iss/eac_e.html


New Release - Joint Statement by Minister Jim Prentice and Ontario Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs (June 11, 2006)
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/m-a2006/2-02767_e.html


"Backgrounder: Six Nations of the Grand River"
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/s-d2005/02742bk_e.html

"Negotiation or Confrontation: It's Canada's Choice. Final Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples. Special Study on the Federal Specific Claims Process." - The Honourable Gerry St. Germain, P.C., Chair and The Honourable Nick Sibbeston, Deputy Chair (December 2006)
*Note requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.
http://www.parl.gc.ca/39/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/abor-e/rep-e/rep05dec06-e.pdf


SETTLING LAND CLAIMS Prepared by: Mary C. Hurley, Law and Government Division
Jill Wherrett, Political and Social Affairs Division
1 September 1999
(Library of Parliament - Parliamentary Information and Research)
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/library/PRBpubs/prb9917-e.htm

Economist - September 2006 Article

This land is my land

Sep 14th 2006 | OTTAWA
From The Economist print edition
Yet another land-claim dispute turns ugly and shines a spotlight on the failure of Canada's policies towards its aboriginal people

CANADA'S much vaunted reputation for tolerance took a beating this summer in Caledonia, a town 80km (50 miles) south-west of Toronto, where a new housing development on land claimed by the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy has sparked off a series of ugly clashes between the aboriginals and the town's non-indigenous residents.

The land is part of a much larger tract given by the British to their Indian allies from New York in 1784 when members of the tribes fled to Canada after the American war of independence. Claiming that the land was thereafter sold without their proper consent, members of the Six Nations have been occupying the site for the past six months, setting up barricades and blocking traffic. This, in its turn, has provoked a series of counter-blockades, brawls, vandalism, and a fight with golf balls and stones. In a belated attempt to avert further violence, the provincial government bought the contested property from the private developers in June and opened negotiations with the Six Nations. But tensions in the town spiked again at the end of last month when the protesters threatened to complete the 11 unfinished homes themselves and to live in them throughout the winter.

Because Caledonia is (by Canadian standards) on the doorstep of Canada's largest city, the conflict has been attracting blanket media coverage. But few have bothered to trace its origins back to their source: the spectacular failure of overall aboriginal policy. Treating their indigenous citizens fairly should be the “ultimate moral issue for Canadians”, says Paul Martin, the former Liberal prime minister. Instead, they are treated with a mixture of ignorance and indifference. The current policy, based on “white guilt and aboriginal anger”, does not work, argues John Richards of Simon Fraser University.

Canada's current philosophical approach is a far cry from the 1969 attempt by Pierre Trudeau, another former prime minister, to assimilate the country's aboriginals by abolishing separate Indian status and, with it, any right to special treatment by the state. Aboriginal anger forced Mr Trudeau to climb down. By 1982 he had had a change of heart, enshrining broad aboriginal rights in the new Canadian constitution. Assimilation as an official policy died, although it is still favoured by some academics, including Tom Flanagan of the University of Calgary, who has close ties to the current prime minister.

Yet few Canadians understand the special constitutional status of Canada's aboriginals, comprising Indians, Métis, and Inuit, partly because it is still not fully spelled out in the constitution. The Indians believe they should deal with Canada on a government-to-government basis, just as their ancestors did in the 1700s, when the British bought peace in the colony by signing treaties guaranteeing Indian rights to land and self-government. Those were incorporated in the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and again in Canada's new constitution. Paul Chartrand, a Métis member of a former royal commission on the aboriginals, says that Canadian governments are not interested in long-term solutions, seeking rather to “stamp out fires”. Mr Martin largely agrees: “This is a file that has been shoved under the rug for 150 years.”

The federal government spends an estimated C$9 billion ($8 billion) a year on aboriginal programmes, targeted mainly at the Indians living on 600-odd occupied reserves, where conditions are often dire. Last year the federal government had to evacuate the Kashechewan reserve in northern Ontario after its drinking water was found to be unsafe. The water quality in more than 200 other reserves has also been deemed risky. Although aboriginals living outside the reserves have lower levels of education, health and income than other Canadians, the gap is even wider for those on the reserves.

Meanwhile, disputes over land are frequent and often violent, the result of resurgent aboriginal nationalism and an awareness that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Since 1990 some of the fiercest confrontations have been over an oil development near Lubicon Lake, Alberta, a golf course expansion at Oka, Quebec, a provincial park in Ipperwash, Ontario, a ski resort at Sun Peaks, British Columbia, and military flights over Labrador. Each has followed a depressingly similar course. Ownership is disputed. An aboriginal claim is filed and the federal claims-processing machinery grinds into motion. Years, often decades, go by without resolution. The fuse is lit when the contested activity is at last allowed to proceed, despite the outstanding claim. No matter which side eventually wins, the other regards it as an illegal occupation.

Not all the news is grim. On the land-claims front, there have been a number of cases where aboriginal insistence that their rights be recognised before industrial development proceeds has led to agreements on job creation, revenue-sharing, training and land ownership. This was the case with the Cree over the massive James Bay hydroelectric dams in northern Quebec, the Innu over the Voisey's Bay nickel mine in Labrador, the Inuit over diamond mines in the Northwest Territories, and the 1999 creation of the new territory of Nunavut, the largest land-claim settlement in Canadian history. Now aboriginal groups along the path of the proposed Mackenzie Valley natural-gas pipeline in the Northwest Territories stand to become part-owners of the C$7 billion project—if it goes ahead.

“Large-scale resource development has been the catalyst for just about every major land-claim settlement across the country,” notes David Natcher, professor of aboriginal studies at Memorial University in Newfoundland. The bigger the development, the better the chance at settlement, he says, because the companies put pressure on governments to reach a deal.

But smaller disputes, like the one in Caledonia, are much harder to solve. The present confrontation is happening a full decade after a royal commission presented the federal government with a supposedly clear roadmap on how to repair its deteriorating relations with the aboriginals. Set up by the Conservatives following the 1990 Oka conflict, the commission reported to a Liberal government in 1996. But the Liberals largely ignored its recommendations, including the suggestion that land claims be settled by a tribunal composed of both aboriginal and non-aboriginal members, rather than by the courts.

It is not too late for the new government to dust off that report. But even if all the aboriginals' claims are settled—and that seems unlikely given a backlog of more than 780 claims before the federal government—it would still not solve the aboriginals' plight. Some analysts argue for much more to be done for the two-thirds of aboriginals living within Canadian society. That might tempt more Indians to leave the wretchedness of the reserves. But this would require the two levels of government to stop buck-passing and get their act together. Although the federal government is supposedly responsible for the aboriginals' overall welfare, the provinces have jurisdiction over land and resources.

Is the new Conservative government ready to change decades of failed policies? Early signs are mixed. As a one-time member of a federal claims commission, Jim Prentice, the new minister of Indian and northern affairs, has wide experience of aboriginal affairs. He has already pledged to slash the backlog of claims and to do more for the off-reserve aboriginals. The government has also agreed to honour the promise of $2.2 billion by the previous government to compensate the victims of abuse in aboriginal residential schools. But other moves seem less promising: Mr Prentice has declined to intervene in Caledonia, refused to support a UN declaration on indigenous rights and reneged on the last government's pledge of an extra C$5 billion for social schemes.

As with so many federal issues in Canada, any real change in policy is unlikely until there is a majority government with the strength and will to ram it through. Meanwhile, private firms push ever further into remote areas in search of lumber, minerals, oil and gas, creating a whole new series of potential flashpoints.

CBC News Links

CBC Timelines
CBC has provided two online timelines relating to the conflict in Caledonia. First, here, chronicles events and news stories that have occurred since the occupation in Caledonia began (February 28, 2006). The second provides a historical overview of the landclaim dispute; it is available here.

Solutions from CALEDONIA/SIX NATIONS
This link is a short transcript from a CBC Newsworld show broadcast which asks four people from Caledonia for their solutions to the conflict. It is available here. (Broadcast date: Sunday September 2006).

August Editorial by Michelle Mann (Lawyer, freelance writer)
Available here. The conclusion of this short editorial is:

While the governments involved praise the value of negotiations in putting out the fire in Caledonia, hundreds of other claims are left smoking across the country, with the usual delay and frustration faced by First Nations claimants continuing to build.
Had the provincial and federal governments dealt proactively rather than reactively with the Six Nations land claim we might well count on the patience of First Nations not being exhausted.
They did not, and the result, as pointed out by Marshall, is a breakdown in the rule of law. Just don’t shoot the messenger.

"Reality Check: Inside native politics: the dispute within the dispute in the Six Nations standoff " - Editorial of sorts by Robert Sheppard
This column (or editorial) discusses the context of the landclaim focusing on a different angle than many stories - this focuses on conflict within the Six Nations community. Namely, between elected band councils (a system enforced by the federal government in the 1920s) and the historical 'governance' structure of clan mothers. The article is available here.

The Hour: May 23, 2006 News story
Broadcast of a new story entitled "Peace or Protest" is available here. This pieces focuses on short clips from interviews of both Caledonia residents and Six Nations members.

Videos - Source: "Timmer"

Tim Sywyk (or "Timmer") is a man from Brantford, Ontario [just outside of Caledonia] who travels to Caledonia frequently and has taken a number of videos, particularly surrounding the site of the blockade. Timmer is a supporter of those from the Six Nations who have 'occupied' the land in Caledonia.

This is a video of Timmer speaking with members of CommUNITY Friends on Canada Day 2006.


A video taken of a flag raising that took place in late 2006.


A video taken of Mark Vandermaas

Videos - Source: Unknown.

A short video of Gary McHale on January 20, 2007 at the "March of Freedom" McHale organized in Caledonia.


An interview with "Mike D" a supporter of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia talking about the OPP raid which took place in April 2006.


Footage of the October 15th, 2006 "March for Freedom" in Caledonia (organized by McHale and others).


Footage from what the video description calls a "Caledonia Town Meeting" April 24, 2006.

Videos - Source: "Voice of Canada"

"Voice of Canada" (available here) is a site edited by Mark Vandermaas a man from London Ontario whom, along with Gary McHale (of Richmond Hill, Ontario) has been active in organizing demonstrations against the Six Nations 'occupation' in Caledonia (including the event a "March for Peace" which was held on January 20, 2007 in Caledonia); both of these men were arrested by the OPP on December 16, 2006 for "breaking the peace."

Again, these videos have a very distinct bias and perspective, and at times employ a vernacular which may be offensive. That said, these voices have emerged, in many regards, as a strong element of the conflict in Caledonia.

The videos below were found on 'youtube' from one use who was associated with the the "Voice of Canada" website (it appears that the voice overs are provided by Mark Vandermass, though it is not certain).


Below is a series of 5 videos that is meant to run concurrently on Caledonia. (Again, it is assumed that the narration is provided by Mark Vandermass or someone else associated with the "Voice of Canada" website).





Another video associated with the same user:

Videos - Source: Autonomy & Solidarity

The group Autonomy & Solidarity has created a number of videos focusing on the conflict in Caledonia, including interviews with local residents. Below are a number of these videos. The website (available here) states that it is "produced and maintained by a network of anti-capitalists who believe that revolutionary transformation will come from the self organization of workers and oppressed people." As such, the group - as other sources of information - is biased, though arguably in this case quite a clearly stated bias. With this in mind, I believe the videos provide interesting insight into the conflict that are not often available through more mainstream media sources.


An interview with Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant (whose riding includes Caledonia) from the weekend of May 22, 2006. The day that the video was taken the Six Nations roadblock had been temporarily removed but was then re-established (for the story see here).



An interview with David Peterson (who was appointed in late April 2006 by the Ontario government as the 'Provincial Lead' to help find solutions to the immediate problems in Caledonia. Peterson is a former liberal Ontario premier).


An interview with a long-time Caledonia resident who was participating in a protest against the Six Nations at the blockade site in Caledonia. (April 2006)


Jan Watson, a Caledonian resident who is part of a group which calls itself 'Community Friends' speaks about why she supports the Six Nations' protest.


"This is an interview with Jaqueline House, a Cayuga member of the Turtle clan and a Six nations spokesperson, about the blockade of the Douglas Creek Estates construction site in Caledonia."


"A member of the Mohawk Warrior Society speaks about the Caledonia Standoff and the significance of the police assault and native response."


A video taken on Friday April 28th, 2006. The description states that a crowd of around "700 people gathered" at the site of the blockade to "demand the opening of highway 6".


Local resident "Custer" speaking to Autonomy & Solidarity on May 22, 2006.


Another Caledonia resident on May 22, 2006.


Another Caledonia resident on May 22, 2006.


OPP being deployed at the site of the blockade on May 22, 2006.

"Robin Williams is a member of Six Nations and gave the following interview on the topic of the current land occupation. She speaks about the situation of housing on the reserves, why protestors have taken back the land from Henco Industries and the importance of outside support."

Jaqueline House on Indigenous Burial Grounds near Caledonia Blockade. She talks about the grave sites that have been found on the land that the Six Nations people have reclaimed.

This video was recorded in April of 2006. The video is described as "a group of local youth express their reasons at the protest against the Six Nations." The video, taken at night, takes place during a time when a large group of Caledonian residents began to protest against the Six Nations 'occupation'. As one can infer from the video, at this time, the OPP - who were present - were not allowing individuals to cross a particular line between the two groups.

Mainstream Media February 2007

February, 2007

Thursday, February 1^st: Toronto lawyer Stephen Ford took another "baby step" Wednesday in a long legal process that could ultimately change the way Aboriginal Canadians are treated in the criminal courts. Mr. Ford filed a writ of prohibition in Ontario court asking Justice Joe Nadel to suspend his jurisdiction and transfer the charges against Six Nations band member Ronald Gibson to Ontario Superior Court. Mr. Ford told reporters he wants the Gibson case heard in Ontario Superior Court because he believes it has the "inherent jurisdiction" to rule on constitutional issues (Paul Legall: HS A8).

Friday, February 2^nd: The Ontario government has reportedly initiated closed door meetings with an unknown number of Caledonia, Ont., residents in an attempt to gain advice on compensation for homeowners affected by the Six Nations occupation. The Ontario government has asked the “Caledonia Community Committee,” to sign agreements to keep the discussions confidential. The move has outraged Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant Tory MPP Toby Barrett, who said some community members have told him they would have preferred to have a more public process because they have concerns about the government’s trustworthiness (Daniel Nolan: HS A11).

Tuesday, February 6^th: According to a Senate report, the federal government should start setting aside $250-million a year to settle land-claim disputes, or risk more Caledonia-style blockades and violent confrontations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Tory Senator Gerry St. Germain, chairman of the committee, told reporters that federal leaders should treat their legal liabilities in the same way a business would, setting aside enough money each year so that the debt can be paid off. A spokesperson for Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice said that the minister would examine the report before making any public response (Bill Curry: G&M A9).

Thursday, February 8^th: Incarcerated Six Nations protestor Trevor Miller is expected to get out of jail today. Mr. Miller, whose detention has been a bone of contention for supporters of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia, will appear in a Cayuga courtroom today for a bail hearing (Marissa Nelson: HS A10).

Saturday, February 10^th: Ontario regional chief Angus Toulouse warned that Canada should brace for more dramatic displays of Aboriginal defiance in 2007, following incidents like the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. Chief Toulouse said there are 1,000 outstanding land claims across Canada, and “any one of them could trigger the same reaction” (NBN D6).

Roberta Jamieson, a former elected chief of Six Nations, said it will take the expertise of an impartial arbitrator to settle outstanding issues in Caledonia. Ms. Jamieson said an independent mediator must take up the work now underway by Six Nations, Ontario and Canadian negotiators. Ms. Jamieson told an audience at a Brock University lecture series that Caledonia has been a reminder of “how far we have to go to work together” (Karen Best: Welland Tribune A3).

Mohawk activist Trevor Miller was released from prison on $10,000 bail after serving six months. Mr. Miller had just put up $10,000 in cash and two aunts from the Six Nations reserve had each pledged $5,000 to secure his release on bail pending his trial on assault and robbery charges (Paul Legall: HS A15).

Town residents vented their angst and frustration at a community meeting called by the local councillor to discuss the nearly year-old Caledonia standoff. About 200 people attended the meeting to express their concerns to Councillor Craig Grice, who promised to hold the meeting during last fall’s municipal election campaign. Residents gave Mr. Grice, who hosted the meeting along with Mayor Marie Trainer and councillor Buck Sloat, ideas on how the county can best deal with the occupation (Daniel Nolan: HS A10).

Tuesday, February 13^th: More than 200 people overflowed a McMaster University lecture hall to hear Mohawk Chief Allen MacNaughton, Cayuga sub-chief Leroy Hill and occupation spokeswoman Hazel Hill give history they say is not taught in Canada's history books. The speakers recounted Six Nations history along the Grand River in the context of the Caledonia dispute. They said the land in those communities was leased for 990 years in 1798. The trio told the crowd, including a number of Caledonia residents, they never gave up their rights to the land, but over the years it was gradually stolen by the colonial government (Daniel Nolan: HS A10).

Thursday, February 22^nd: A group of Six Nations Mohawks threatened a $4.4-trillion lawsuit over control of the land granted to Joseph Brant. The group claiming to represent the Mohawk Nation, and calling itself the "stewards of the Haldimand Treaty," has filed its intent to sue the Haudenosaunee Six Nations Confederacy, other Aboriginal groups and individuals on the reserve. They are also asking for another $3 trillion in aggravated and punitive damages for undermining Mohawk authority over the land. If the suit goes forward, it would be the largest lawsuit in Canadian history. The group's lawyer, Justin Griffin, was not available for comment (John Burman: HS A1 and A11).

Friday, February 23^rd: Negotiators trying to resolve the Caledonia standoff are not predicting a speedy end to talks as the dispute approaches its first anniversary next Wednesday. According to Ms. Barbara McDougall, a negotiator for the federal government, “(Negotiations) takes a long time (and) if it takes a long time, it takes a long time." Representatives for Ottawa, Queen's Park and the Six Nations Confederacy downplay concerns the sides have hit an impasse and Confederacy spokesman Cayuga sub-chief Leroy Hill believes the sides are at a point where they can develop ideas on how to end it (Daniel Nolan: HS A12).

The staggering $4.4-trillion lawsuit that seeks to gain Mohawk control of Six Nations and land negotiations has been called a “frivolous action” that hacks at the roots of peace. That is what the Haudenosaunee Six Nations Confederacy Council said in a statement last night, blasting the court action as “an obvious attempted 'cash grab.'” Self-titled “stewards of the Haldimand Treaty” said they will sue for $4.4 trillion for “mental anguish, pain and suffering deliberately inflicted on the heirs and descendants of the Mohawk Nation Grand River.” If they win, they also seek another $3 trillion in aggravated and punitive damages. A notice of action, stating intent to file a lawsuit, was filed in Superior Court in Brantford Feb. 12. A man at the centre of the lawsuit seeking Mohawk control of Six Nations was shocked to find his family named as plaintiffs. Trevor Miller said he, his mother and sister are not suing anyone (John Burman: HS A1 & A10).

According to Robert Howard, as the one-year anniversary of the Aboriginal standoff in Caledonia approaches, new “developments” add to the sense of the surreal hanging over this ugly affair. He said for example, “the statement this week by Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay that the province has run out of tools to deal with the Caledonia dispute. This is just another ratcheting of the federal-provincial argument over Caledonia, highlighted in November by Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice cancelling a meeting with Mr. Ramsay with virtually no notice. Mr. Prentice cited the province's “political grandstanding” on the occupation. Caledonia residents must not know whether to laugh or cry, at both the multi-trillion-dollar legal action and the intergovernmental squabbling. One year in, it is beginning to look like another long, hot summer ahead” (HS A14).

Hamilton Spectator editorial: According to Susan Clairmont, Constable David Hartless is the subject of a discreditable conduct investigation under the Police Services Act after he wrote an open letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty blasting him and the OPP for their lack of leadership in Caledonia. Off-duty cops are still citizens. They are not owned by the state. Or their chief. Or, more to the point, somebody else's commissioner. They still have some rights. They can still be angry at politicians. They still have the freedom to speak (HS A11).

Saturday, February 24^th: The one-year anniversary of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia will be marked on Wednesday at the Douglas Creek Estates site with a pot luck dinner and celebration hosted by the Six Nations occupiers (John Paul Zronik: BE A12).

Brantford Expositor editorial: The one-year anniversary of the Caledonia protest offers no reason to celebrate. The cheering will come when Six Nations’ land claims are settled and Grand River neighbours can live side by side in security and respect (BE A8).

Letter writer John Hagopian: It has come time for the politically incorrect truth to be told. The Six Nations have no legal rights to the lands in question, and have had none for over a century (HS A13).

Columnist Susan Gamble: The Caledonia land claim protest has focused the attention of Canadians on land issues. It has cost the provincial and federal governments - and taxpayers - millions of dollars in policing, court time and other costs, and has added an urgency to what has gone from “discussions” to “negotiations” over some of the Six Nations many outstanding land claims (BE A12).

Susan Gamble outlined the various highlights of the Caledonia occupation over the past year (BE A13).

Monday, February 26^th: Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice said during an interview that he does not expect the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia, Ont., to end any time soon. However, Mr. Prentice asserted that negotiations have brought relative stability to the community and, “If people are patient, we will get this resolved.” Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson told reporters that the occupation embodies too much for Six Nations to back down now (Chinta Puxley: G&M A13, LFP C4, TSun 14, TStar A7, KWS B6, WFP A7, SJT A5).

Supporters of imprisoned Six Nations man Chris Hill held a public vigil Sunday afternoon outside Mr. Hill’s jail cell. Mr. Hill was arrested Jan. 3 and faces several charges, including assault of a police officer and assault with a weapon, in connection with an incident at the former Douglas Creek Estates last spring (HS A8).

Marissa Nelson: A year later, and the path to peace in Caledonia still is not clear. It has been a year of discovery, building community, cohesion and pride. Six Nations traditional leaders and culture has found new prominence and power on the reserve. There is change for everyone else involved: the town, the province, the OPP, and for Canada. What the protest means is different for each. Those differences help explain why, a year after it blew up and more than 100 years after it began, the dispute is still unresolved (HS A1).

Marissa Nelson: Initially, the federal government said the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia had, “nothing to do with,” Ottawa. Both Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice and local MP Diane Finley have kept low, sometimes invisible, profiles on the issue. Jurisdiction has been an ongoing spat between the Ontario and federal governments. Even a federal “fact finder” said the arguments between the two levels of government were delaying resolution of the land claim (HS A10).

Letter writer Lori Whiteford: Since when does a citizen of Canada, let alone one directly affected by the Caledonia land claim, not have the right to express their opinion? Apparently since Julian Fantino took the reins of the OPP. David Hartless, a Hamilton police officer and Ontario taxpayer, has the right to his opinion just like anyone else and he is not in violation of the Police Service Act (HS A14).

Mainstream Media January 2007

January 2007

Tuesday, January 2^nd: The Six Nations Confederacy celebrated New Year’s Day by getting back the original building that was the seat of its government before they were removed by Canada in 1924. The elected band council gave keys to the vacant 1864 council house in Ohsweken to Onondoga Chief Arnie General, who was part of an attempt in 1959 to reoccupy the old confederacy council house. Janie Jamieson, a spokesperson for Six Nations demonstrators in Caledonia, said that the Department of Indian Affairs had returned possession of the house to the Six Nations band council (Rob Faulkner: HS A10).

Kitchener-Waterloo Record editorial: Ontario and federal politicians must resolve the land grievances of the Six Nations. The standoff in Caledonia is costly and disruptive to residents there. The Six Nations have claimed the bed and banks of the Grand River. They have a legal right, confirmed by the Supreme Court, to be consulted about projects affecting their claims. However, there is uncertainty about the river claim. There is uncertainty about how consultation is to be practiced. There is uncertainty about who speaks for the Six Nations. These uncertainties have already delayed plans for two new bridges over the Grand River. They may stall other plans to repair or replace other bridges. They may delay other watershed projects, some quite routine. This is unacceptable. If senior governments can not negotiate a complete resolution this year, they should at least clarify how local councils and agencies are to move forward with important projects (KWR A6).

Columnist Lee Prosaska: This has not been a great year for our police organizations. At the provincial level, the image of the OPP has suffered perhaps irreparable damage because of its policing of the Aboriginal occupation in Caledonia. The behaviour of OPP officers policing the occupation in Caledonia has seriously undermined non-Aboriginal people’s respect for the provincial police authority. It is hard to avoid a perception that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people have been treated differently during the controversial occupation. Certainly, it is understandable for the OPP to work hard to avoid a repeat of the clash at Ipperwash. Commissioner Gwen Boniface, largely invisible throughout the Caledonia occupation, has moved on, with former Toronto police chief Julian Fantino taking over. Mr. Fantino is known as a law-and-order proponent, but he has not yet shown any firm leadership when it comes to Caledonia. It is not enough for him to say there is no double standard in Caledonia; he and his police force need to show us (HS A14).

Wednesday, January 3^rd: The province of Ontario has agreed to pay $150,000 towards a marketing campaign in the community of Caledonia. The province provided finances for the community in November in addition to a sum of $210,000 that it provided for a similar marketing campaign during the summer. Advertisements for the latest marketing campaign have been designed for newsprint and radio, and are meant to entice people into stores and local businesses. In other news, Gary McHale of Richmond Hill has vowed to return to Caledonia on Jan. 20 to put up Canadian flags on utility poles opposite the Six Nations occupation site. OPP spokesperson Paula Wright told reporters that the OPP is aware of Mr. McHale and plan to prevent “anyone’s personal agenda” from interfering “with the safety of the community” (HS A10).

Thursday, January 4^th: Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer said the occupation at Douglas Creek Estates has had a profound impact on the growth of Caledonia. Housing company Mattamy Homes was looking at buying more than 200 hectares of property for 2,500 homes in north Caledonia, but Mayor Trainer said it abandoned the project because the land is the subject of a possible land claim. Meanwhile, realtor Bruce MacDonald, who was negotiating the deal, confirmed Mattamy dropped its options for the site last year, but said the decision was due to several factors (Daniel Nolan: HS A10).

The Ontario government will give the OPP more than $20 million to cope with heavy policing costs from the Caledonia standoff. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino will use the money to help cover policing costs and pay for new officers to patrol Caledonia and help officers seconded from across Ontario to return to their home detachments. He will also receive $1.6 million to put toward expanding the Haldimand OPP detachment in Cayuga, plus pay for new cruisers, computers and other equipment needed to police Caledonia (Daniel Nolan: HS A1; TStar A6).

North Bay Nugget editorial printed in the Kingston Whig-Standard: Continued organized rallies in Caledonia are doing more harm than good. Protest organizer Gary McHale plans to return to the site on Jan. 20 for yet another rally at the disputed site. Negotiations are ongoing, but the situation in Caledonia has gone on for too long and the longer it lasts, the more chance there is of violence. That is the last thing we need (KWS 4).

Friday, January 5^th: The Government of Ontario will provide the OPP with nearly $22 million to aid in the cost of policing the ongoing Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino said the Haldimand OPP detachment will get several dozen new officers, straight from the police academy. The officers will be redeployed elsewhere once a settlement is reached in the nearly year-long occupation (WStar C1).

The OPP have arrested and charged Christopher Hill, 20, of Ohsweken after he was discovered during a routine investigation of an unrelated matter. A warrant for Mr. Hill’s arrest has been outstanding since the OPP’s botched raid in April on the Six Nations occupation site in Caledonia. In other news, OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino criticized Richmond Hill resident Gary McHale who recently announced plans to stage another rally near the contested occupation site, stating: “I think it is provocative. I think it is irresponsible and I think, at the end of the day, intelligent people will see it for what it is. It is mischief making.” Mr. Fantino would not say whether Mr. McHale will face arrest again, but did state: “We will maintain the peace at all costs in Caledonia and lawbreakers will be dealt with” (Daniel Nolan: HS A11).

Monday, January 8^th: Trevor Miller, a Six Nations man who has been incarcerated for the past five months for allegedly assaulting a camera man in Caledonia last June, is scheduled to appear in court today for another bail review. Supporters of Mr. Miller feel the justice system has treated him unfairly and have called his incarceration an act of war against Aboriginal people. Last month, Stuart Myiow, a member of the Mohawk Traditional Council from Kahnawake in Quebec, blamed the problem on the decision by Canada and the U.S. to not ratify a UN declaration on Indigenous rights (Steve Buist: HS A8).

Tuesday, January 9^th: Trevor Miller arrived for a bail hearing Monday wearing a colourful Mohawk headdress. Supporters of Mr. Miller accompanied him into the courtroom where they staged a quiet demonstration by refusing to stand when Superior Court Justice Stephen Glithero entered and left the courtroom. Justice Glithero adjourned Mr. Miller’s case to Jan. 22, when he will appear before Superior Court Justice David Marshall (Paul Legall: HS A9).

Wednesday, January 10^th: OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino announced Tuesday that the OPP detachment in Haldimand will get 50 more officers by the end of the year, doubling the strength of the detachment to deal with the Caledonia dispute. Mr. Fantino said strengthening the detachment with permanent postings will help build bridges with the community and be more cost efficient (Marissa Nelson: HS A1, KWS 9).

In an interview, Commissioner Fantino discussed the strategy that has been adopted by the OPP in dealing with the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia, including how the force deals with non-Aboriginal complainants like those from Richmond Hill resident Gary McHale. Mr. Fantino criticized Mr. McHale’s proposed Jan. 20 rally in Caledonia, saying “It is totally unhelpful. It is agitating the community. It is creating the potential for confrontation and violence. It is totally unnecessary and unhelpful and what makes me very suspicious is that it is done in the shroud of the Canadian flag” (Marissa Nelson: HS A10).

Thursday, January 11th: A brief confrontation took place Wednesday between a member of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia and Chris Syrie, a musician whose property borders the disputed site. According to reports, Mr. Syrie planted two Canadian flags and two “No Trespassing” signs on his lot which borders the tract of land currently occupied by Six Nations members. The brief confrontation was quickly defused by the OPP and a second Aboriginal man. According to Mr. Syrie, the property he purchased for $106,000 in 2005 is now worthless. Mr. Syrie indicated that his problem is not with the Aboriginal occupiers, but with the provincial government, which has ignored his requests for a buy-out of the property which Mr. Syrie had planned to use for a music school (Daniel Nolan: HS A8).

Sunday, January 14^th: London area resident Mark Vandermaas has vowed to return to Caledonia in a repeat bid to hoist the Canadian flag there. This time, Mr. Vandermaas will be trying to recruit others to join him next Saturday near the site of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. Mr. Vandermaas said he has been prepared to be jailed again and hopes to find 50 others willing to be arrested at a planned protest. An OPP spokesperson said police would prefer outsiders stay away from Caledonia (John Miner: LFP A1).

Monday, January 15^th: During a meeting at the Caledonia Lions Club Sunday, Richmond Hill resident Gary McHale called on area residents to join him, and “about 15” other people who are prepared to risk arrest at a demonstration planned for this weekend. The demo has been arranged in order to draw attention to the OPP’s handling of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. Mr. McHale also told the crowd that he hoped to “fire Dalton McGuinty” and force the disbanding of the OPP (Bill Dunphy: HS A11).

Lloyd Brown-John, University of Windsor political science department: The situation in Caledonia is absurd. OPP cars and officers are everywhere and likely to remain. Apparently, their job is to keep the peace and apply the law to non-Aboriginal people, but not to Aboriginal people. The Ontario government has just allocated another $22 million of taxpayer money for the OPP to police Caledonia. The federal government has taken a full back-seat role. This has left the McGuinty government to bear the full weight of public opprobrium over the drawn-out Caledonia siege. Never have so many politicians quaked before so many loud- and foul-mouthed protesters as they have at Caledonia. Time is not on the politicians' side (WStar A6).

Wednesday, January 17^th: The OPP have issued an arrest warrant for Jarrod Greene, a 33-year-old Ohsweken man who allegedly caused $6,000 damage to the street in front of Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia during the 2006 Victoria Day weekend violence. OPP Constable Paula Wright said Mr. Greene is being sought on a charge of mischief for allegedly using a front-end loader to dig up a portion of Argyle Street West near the entrance to the disputed land. In a media release Tuesday, Mohawk Chief Allen MacNaughton argued the OPP has no power to arrest Mr. Greene because Argyle Street is sovereign Six Nations land (Paul Legall: HS A10; Kelly Patrick: NP A4; CP: KWR A3).

Letter writer Hal Jones, Burlington, Ont.: The Indigenous people of the Six Nations were not a conquered nation and as such are hardly subservient to laws and rules that were designed to primarily serve the European colonizers. I give credit to the OPP in their handling of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. While it is the federal government that is at fault for not stepping in and taking the initiative in settling this land dispute, it clearly demonstrates that not only here, but around the world, the colonization process is almost never ended and has ongoing costs that must be born by Aboriginal people and the citizens of the present state (HS A14).

Letter writer Patrick O’Connor, London, Ont.: The Sunday edition of The London Free Press gave front-page advertising to Mark Vandermaas so he can find others to flout the law and cause civil disobedience in Caledonia. It even reads like a help-wanted ad. Mr. Vandermaas is not a modern hero, but a self-deluded disturber. This story is not worthy of front-page coverage. It is free advertising (LFP A6).

Thursday, January 18^th: Ontario's Culture Ministry said an archeological dig of around 18 locations in the Caledonia area uncovered stones left behind by nomadic hunting groups thousands of years ago and the remains of an 800-year-old longhouse. News of the discovery was welcomed by Six Nations protesters occupying the former housing development site in Caledonia as proof of the historical connection Aboriginals have with the area. While Six Nations spokeswoman Janie Jamieson said she is convinced there are human remains buried on the site, the Ministry of Culture said no burial grounds have been found. A spokesperson for Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay declined to comment on how the findings could affect talks between Six Nations, the province and the federal government. Meanwhile, Liberal leader Stéphane Dion said it is time Ottawa worked out a swifter way to handle Aboriginal land claims, calling for the creation of an independent body to deal with disputes such as the one in Caledonia (Chinta Puxley: KWS 11 and LFP A4, TSun 44; Dana Borcea: HS A10; CP: Gaz A11 and EJ A6, RLP C12, WStar A9, MT&T C4).

About 300 people attended a meeting on resolving the Caledonia occupation. At the meeting, Confederacy officials revealed the Ontario government has offered to create a 6.4-kilometre agricultural belt around Six Nations in an effort to settle the standoff and ward off concerns about encroaching development. They noted the federal government has also pressured Six Nations to accept a financial settlement instead of land (HS A10).

Stephen Ford, the lawyer representing Six Nations protestor Irwin Ronald Gibson, launched a legal challenge that could dramatically affect the way Aboriginal Canadians are treated in criminal court. Mr. Gibson is one of several protesters charged with criminal offences in connection with the occupation. Mr. Ford's plan is to convince the Canadian courts they have no jurisdiction over Aboriginal Canadians like Mr. Gibson who are charged with criminal offences on Aboriginal lands. As a first step on Jan. 31, Mr. Ford will attempt to convince Ontario court Justice David Harris to remove himself from the Gibson case and refer it to Ontario Superior Court. Mr. Ford said his long-term goal is to get the Supreme Court of Canada to make a firm ruling on Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution which relates to Aboriginal Canadians (Paul Legall: HS A10).

Friday, January 19^th: The OPP and Six Nations occupiers of the disputed Caledonia site are preparing for a renewed attempt by white protesters to raise the Canadian flag. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino asked local municipal police chiefs to provide extra officers tomorrow to prevent physical confrontations. The flag rally is being organized by Gary and Christine McHale, of Richmond Hill. A spokesperson for the occupiers dismissed the McHales as racist publicity-seekers, while the McHales said they are protesting the flag ban since Mohawks are allowed to display their "warrior flags" (Ian Robertson: TSun 16; WSun 16).

Due to the Caledonia occupation, developers are frequently approaching the Six Nations Confederacy, seeking direction on projects they want to build on land the band claims to own along the Grand River. Confederacy officials said the traditional government has heard from 13 developers since November representing $1 billion in projects. Among them is the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, which is looking to build a new Highway 24 between Brantford and Cambridge. Ginette Albert, spokeswoman for Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay, said the province has no problem with the situation, adding it submits its own projects within the Haldimand Tract to both the band council and Confederacy (Daniel Nolan: HS A10).

Letter writer Mike Morden: Of late, controversy at Caledonia has rested upon the flying of the Maple Leaf flag. Those that oppose the occupation claim that the flag has been abused, disrespected, disgraced. Truly, this is the case, and it is not the Six Nations at fault. Instead, the reactionary opponents of the occupation have taken to waving the flag in anger. My Maple Leaf is not a symbol of aggression, repression, unthinking opposition to progress. It is not to be used to cover over historical truths. The brilliant contributions of and blinding abuses suffered by our First Nations are written upon its every line. Nor is it a plaything to be waved at OPP officers like a matador waving a red cape at a bull. My Maple Leaf can stand for more than white Canada. It can stand for Canada (HS A15).

Saturday, January 20^th: The OPP has warned residents to stay away from Saturday’s rally near the site of the Caledonia Aboriginal occupation. Police said anyone who crosses the police line at the protest, organized by Gary McHale of Richmond Hill, risks criminal charges. It is the third rally Mr. McHale has organized and the OPP’s statements suggest a stricter stance toward Mr. McHale and his protests. Mr. McHale said he has helped keep things under control in the town, pointing out that since he first announced his first march, there has not been a single clash between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginal protesters. He has staged the rallies to highlight what he says has been different treatment by the OPP of Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals (Marissa Nelson: HS A1).

During an interview, Gary McHale told reporters that he will not stop until he “changes the system.” Mr. McHale said told reporters that a CSIS agent has interviewed him twice: once in his home office, and again over lunch (Haley Mick: G&M A15).

In an interview, Mr. McHale was quoted as saying “My ultimate goal has nothing to do with Caledonia. It is an example of a problem. My ultimate goal is to force every government to live up to what I have been sold as a bill of goods. I firmly believe in multiculturalism. ... But we all have to be equal under the law ... My goal is to expose that the government does not listen to the will of the people” (Marrisa Nelson: HS A2).

Sunday, January 21^st: The OPP held the middle ground between a standoff of Six Nations occupiers and non-Aboriginal protestors in Caledonia, Ont., over the weekend. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino was critical of out-of-town protestors like Gary McHale who descended on Caledonia, stating: “We are prepared to deal with these people in a way that we will preserve public safety ... and officer safety” (Gregory Bonnell: LFP A10).

Monday, January 22^nd: Commissioner Fantino’s comments on the weekend’s events were repeated (Dana Brown: HS A9; CP: WStar B7).

Tuesday, January 23^rd: Columnist Robert Howard: It has been a long, difficult 11 months for the town's residents and businesses since Six Nations protestors took control of the development site. There has been bad behaviour on both sides of the barricades, and living, and making a living, in Caledonia has been trying. But few residents showed up for Saturday's rally, apparently more interested in doing something constructive with their time. Good on them. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino told Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals alike that, "We're not going to take any nonsense." Good on him, too (HS A14).

Friday, January 26^th: The federal government asserted in a Department of Justice report that the Six Nations claim in Caledonia would fail if brought before the courts. The report, which was given to members of the Six Nations Confederacy negotiation team, however, has not convinced the Six Nations to call off their occupation and both sides are expected to continue talking (Daniel Nolan: HS A13).

Saturday, January 27^th: The federal government has told the Six Nations Confederacy that its claim to the disputed site in Caledonia would not be recognized in court. The federal government set out that position in a Department of Justice report presented Thursday to Six Nations Confederacy officials (Marissa Nelson: HS A15; G&M A20).

Mainstream Media December 2006

December, 2006

Monday, December 4^th: Over the weekend, the OPP prevented a group of non-Aboriginal people from mounting a number of Canadian flags outside the Douglas Creek Estates, telling the group that such an act could jeopardize the fragile peace in the area (Dana Brown: HS A9, KWR A4).

Wednesday, December 6^th: In a telephone interview, OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino made no apologies for OPP handling of the volatile standoff at Douglas Creek Estates, despite a $25 million policing bill and suggestions his officers are using a double standard. He also stood up for the way his officers handled the latest skirmish between the occupiers and towns people, which occurred on the weekend when local citizens tried to display Canadian flags and yellow ribbons near the protested lands. The OPP ordered them to remove the flags, even though residents said they were on public lands (Paul Legall: HS A1).

Sunday, December 10^th: A number of Aboriginal leaders have said Canadian should expect increased displays of Aboriginal defiance in the upcoming year. Leaders suggested that the dispute in Caledonia, Ont., may be the tipping point for decades of simmering Aboriginal anger. Ontario regional chief Angus Toulouse pointed out that there are 1,000 outstanding land claims across Canada which could trigger a reaction similar to that of the Six Nations in Caledonia (Chinta Puxley: EJ A7).

Monday, December 11^th: A peaceful demonstration was conducted Saturday by supporters of Trevor Miller, a Six Nations man arrested in connection with violent incidents near the former Douglas Creek Estates. Approximately 30 demonstrators gathered outside the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre where they called for the release of Mr. Miller from the facility (HS A9).

Thursday, December 14^th: Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer pleaded with Gary McHale to cancel another planned march in Caledonia this Saturday near the site of the Six Nations occupation. Mr. McHale dismissed Ms. Trainer's comments and said he is not advocating trouble. He said he wants to demonstrate his belief Aboriginal people are being treated differently from non-Aboriginals by the OPP and new commissioner Julian Fantino. Meanwhile, negotiations are set to resume today between the federal and Ontario governments and the Six Nations Confederacy to try to resolve the occupation (Daniel Nolan: HS A14).

Mayor Trainer is anxiously awaiting a crucial ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal that could have a critical impact on the occupation. The court will issue a decision this morning on the legality of a ruling by Justice T. David Marshall of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice that found that the continued occupation of the site is illegal and ordered it cleared. Ms. Trainer said she hoped “they will rule in Judge Marshall's favour.” In the legislature yesterday, when Conservative Leader John Tory asked Mr. McGuinty if he would keep his word and end the occupation by Christmas, the Premier accused him of being “eager to pour gasoline on the situation” (James Rusk: G&M A19).

Friday, December 15^th: The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled in favour of allowing Six Nations protestors to continue occupying the disputed site in Caledonia. The decision was criticized by Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer, who said the decision shows Aboriginals are above the law. She added that she had hoped the appeals court would uphold the lower court order to halt negotiations until the occupiers cleared off the land. The appeal court ruled Thursday that Justice David Marshall "erred" when he said the Aboriginals had made a mockery of the rule of law by refusing to vacate the site and suggested negotiations should be suspended. The court found that the occupiers are no longer on the land illegally because the province bought it and does not object to the occupation. Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay said the ruling is a vindication of the province's approach to the occupation. He added Aboriginal people should be treated differently (Chinta Puxley: TSun 12 and WStar C1; Jessica Leeder: TStar A11; Kirk Makin: G&M A17; Marissa Nelson: HS A9; CP: CG A9 and Gaz A17, VTC A6, LFP B12, MT&T C1).

Now that the continued occupation has been found to be legal by the Ontario Court of Appeal, both sides in the dispute said negotiators must step up their efforts to resolve central issues. Mayor Trainer said she hoped “that the couple of claims that no one is disputing get resolved, and that will, hopefully, prove to the Natives that everyone is serious about resolving all the claims.” If that were to happen, the mayor is hopeful that the occupation would end. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said his government is now waiting for the federal government to bring a “substantive proposal to the table” regarding the land claim (James Rusk and Mary Gazze: G&M A17).

The federal Department of Justice is still reviewing a Six Nations claim that it never surrendered the land on the disputed Douglas Creek Estates. The Six Nations Confederacy presented federal officials last month with an 80-page report on its claim for the site. It was expected Ottawa would file a response Thursday as talks at the main negotiation table resumed, but federal officials have promised to present Six Nations with a formal written response before the next meeting on January 11 (HS A9).

OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino strongly criticized plans for a weekend protest at Douglas Creek Estates. Commissioner Fantino said the planned event, ostensibly billed as a “support our troops” rally, is nothing more than a clever way for organizers to set up a mood for disorder. He said the plan is intended to make police look like they are playing favourites, are against the troops and are not being constitutional (Joe Warmington: TSun 12).

Saturday, December 16^th: A demonstration scheduled for Saturday morning only feet away from the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia has increased fears of a showdown between demonstrators who plan to hang Canadian flags near the disputed land and Six Nations occupiers. David Ramsay, Ontario’s minister responsible for Aboriginal affairs, stated: “This is most counterproductive and, in fact, potentially dangerous” (TSun 4).

Columnist Lee Prokaska: The impact of the Ontario appeal court’s action this week has not been totally negative. In effect, it legitimizes the Ontario government’s strategy in negotiating with Aboriginal representatives about the disputed land in Caledonia (Lee Prokaska: HS A22).

Sunday, December 17^th: The OPP arrested Gary McHale of Richmond Hill and Mark Vandermaas of London during a demonstration Saturday near the site of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia (Alan Cairns: TSun 11; John Miner: LFP 1; Ctz A9).

Monday, December 18^th: Approximately 30 people protesting against the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia said Sunday that a local house has been trashed, with such graffiti as swear words and “Racist go home” scrawled on the walls. The OPP have indicated they are treating the incident as a break and enter (CP: WStar A10, Gaz A12, LFP C4, Ctz A5, CSun 10, KWR A4, HCH A3, SJT A5, VTC A5, KWS 9, EJ A5, MT&T B7, NBTJ A3; Sharon Boase: HS A1).

OPP detained a non-Aboriginal man on Sunday from taking down a Mohawk Warriors flag near the site of the Six Nations occupation. According to sources, the man was upset over alleged vandalism to a house in Caledonia (HS A10).

Tuesday, December 19^th: Following his release from jail, Mark Vandermaas told reporters that it is time for the creation of a new political party designed to deal with Aboriginal people. Mr. Vandermaas, who was arrested Saturday during a demonstration in Caledonia, accused the OPP of implementing two-tier justice in dealing with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people involved in the Caledonia dispute. Six Nations spokesperson Hazel Hill agreed that a two-tier justice system is being implemented in Caledonia - one that is slanted against Aboriginal people. Ms. Hill pointed out that when non-Aboriginal people have been arrested, they have been released unconditionally but that when Six Nations members have been arrested, they have been charged and bail has been set exceedingly high (John Miner: LFP B1).

Approximately 30 people took part in a demonstration outside the Ontario attorney-general’s office in Toronto to demand the release of Trevor Miller, who was jailed in August after being accused of assaulting two members of a television crew near the occupation site in Caledonia. Demonstrators described Mr. Miller as a “political prisoner” being kept behind bars to deter other Aboriginal People from standing up for their land rights (Chinta Puxley: TSun 31, Gaz A12, WStar C1, KWS 16).

Wednesday, December 20^th: Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay said Tuesday that compensation cheques are to be mailed out in the next few months to residents who have suffered while living with the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia (Chinta Puxley: G&M A17, TStar A8; Paul Legall: HS A12; CP: KWR A4, KWS 11).

A poll conducted by SES Research/Osprey Media has found that only one in ten citizens of Ontario blame the Caledonia land dispute on Six Nations occupiers. Rather, according to the polls, 40% of respondents blame either or both the provincial and federal governments for the standoff. Nik Nanos, president of SES Research, told reporters: “There is lots of blame for everyone, but I think it would be fair to say at this point that the people that Ontarians blame the least are the Six Nations band, compared to the federal and provincial governments” (James Wallace: KWS 8).

Thursday, December 21^st: Editorial taken from the St. Catherine’s Standard: Ontario's government was quite pleased with itself after last week's court ruling on the standoff in Caledonia. While land negotiations drag out in the backrooms, people on both sides of this dispute are living a different reality every day - a reality of tension teetering on the brink of violence. It is shameful that the province would be proud of this record, and feel vindicated that it is doing the right thing. The people of Caledonia - and Six Nations for that matter - have every right to expect to live their daily lives without fear of vandalism, assault or worse. The rule of law is paramount in Canada's society and must be upheld (TStar A28).

Wednesday, December 27^th: Lee Prokaska: The Spectator's editorial board has consistently advocated negotiation as the only way to achieve a lasting and peaceful solution to the standoff in Caledonia. There is no question the residents of Caledonia have been caught in the jaws of a historically complicated dispute between Aboriginals and government. There is no question that local people on both sides of this dispute hoped for a speedy resolution to reduce tensions in the community. Those at the bargaining table must move into 2007 determined to resolve this painful impasse. That is in everyone's best interest (HS A18).

Saturday, December 30^th: Brantford Expositor editorial: A recent poll has given a clear indication that it has come time for Canada’s federal and provincial governments to take a new look at how they handle First Nations land claims. According to the SES Research/Osprey Media survey, 40% of Ontarians blame either the federal or provincial government or both for the development dispute in Caledonia. The federal government must commit more effort to resolving these issues. There must be real, tangible moves made toward finding solutions to the many problems causing these disputes (BE A19).

Mainstream Media November 2006

November, 2006

Wednesday, November 1^st: Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice reportedly refused to meet with David Ramsay, Ontario’s minister in charge of Aboriginal affairs, on Tuesday night when he arrived in Ottawa do discuss federal compensation for the ongoing costs of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. The Ontario government is seeking $39.3-million, which includes $15 million to date for policing of the dispute, $15.8 million for the purchase of the disputed land, and various amounts in compensation to area builders and businesses hurt by the eight-month-old standoff. Earlier on Tuesday, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty told reporters that, “The only people who are in a position to wrap up this negotiation are the federal government, and to a very large extent they have been missing in action... We would welcome them coming to the table with concrete proposals and any kind of effort that would accelerate these negotiations” (April Lindgren: Ctz A7, WStar C1; Karen Howlett: G&M A17; Marissa Nelson & Daniel Nolan: HS A1; Keith Leslie: KWS 13; Rob Ferguson: TStar A7; CP: CSun 25, TSun 4, KWR A3, HCH A6, Gaz A12, EJ A6, LH A2).

On Tuesday, Ontario opposition leader John Tory took issue with the Ontario government trying to charge the Hamilton Spectator $5,500 to find out how much OPP policing in Caledonia is costing taxpayers. Mr. Tory accused the Ontario government of subverting changes to laws governing Freedom of Information to prevent the public from getting information (Marissa Nelson: HS A11).

Columnist Christina Blizzard: The province of Ontario appears to be bashing its way out of Caledonia using the federal government as the battering ram. And, fair enough, the Harper government has been conspicuous by its absence in Caledonia, where Ontario Premier McGuinty estimates policing has cost the OPP around $25 million, even though Aboriginal affairs are essentially a federal matter. All the same, the province has invited trouble by buying the disputed land - at an estimated $20 million. Perhaps Premier McGuinty could set the ball rolling by asking the PM to take control - by sending in the army. It is one way to get the province off the hook for policing costs (TSun 20).

Thursday, November 2^nd: Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice suggested Wednesday that the federal and Ontario governments share responsibility for resolving the Six Nations land claim dispute, because the initial land claim predates Confederation. Mr. Prentice, in an interview, drew a distinction between Aboriginal land claims that arose before the British North America Act came into existence in 1867, and those that followed. David Ramsay, the Ontario minister responsible for Aboriginal affairs, accused Mr. Prentice of casting aside more than 100 years of tradition entrenched in Canada's Constitution (Karen Howlett & Bill Curry: G&M A1).

Minister Prentice defended his decision to cancel a Tuesday meeting with his provincial counterpart David Ramsay, stating: “I am prepared to sit down in a serious way and talk about these issues, but I do not compare them to a hockey game and I do not appreciate the sort of political grandstanding that has been going on, and frankly I am not going to put up with it.” Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday that the federal government should set aside its “sensitivities” and get serious about settling the eight-month-old dispute (April Lindgren: Ctz A8; Rob Ferguson: TStar A19).

Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer called on federal and provincial politicians Wednesday to “stop acting like children,” and focus on ending the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. Six Nations Chief Allen MacNaughton urged Mr. Prentice to become directly involved in talks with Six Nations Confederacy chiefs to reach a settlement in the land dispute (Chinta Puxley & Jennifer Ditchburn: LFP A9, HCH A8).

The Hamilton Spectator published a Question and Answer interview between Mr. Prentice and one of its editorial board staff in which Mr. Prentice stated, “At the heart of this there is concern about land claims ... There is federal jurisdiction there, not exclusive jurisdiction and I understand that and we are working on that. The claim itself predates Confederation - it is a claim Ontario brought into Confederation with it, so to suggest it is exclusive federal jurisdiction is not the case (HS A13).

The Hamilton Spectator published a Question and Answer interview between Mr. Ramsay and one of its editorial board staff in which Mr. Ramsay stated, “We are all big boys and girls in this game and it is a full-contact sport ... Jim Prentice knows that, too. There is no room to be overly sensitive” (HS A13).

Columnist Murray Campbell: Minister Prentice may argue that he is not responsible for land claims by the Six Nations because its 1784 treaty predated Confederation. That is hogwash. Treaties are made with the Crown and the federal government is Her Majesty's senior government. Ontario is stuck because it has discovered it can not afford the cost of keeping the peace. The two sides have no choice but to keep talking (G&M A7).

Columnist Lee Prosaka: Minister Prentice needs to learn some manners after he cancelled a meeting with his Ontario counterpart this week with virtually no notice. Regardless of so-called grandstanding by the Ontario government, Mr. Prentice's last-minute cancellation was rude and insulting. It was also irresponsible and simply unacceptable (HS A16).

Friday, November 3^rd: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty suggested Thursday that claims by INAC Minister Jim Prentice that pre-Confederation land claim disputes, including the long-running Aboriginal occupation in Caledonia, are a provincial responsibility is simply posturing by the federal Conservatives. Mr. McGuinty called Mr. Prentice's new approach "novel," and said he had not heard the federal government ever suggest to any other province or territory that Aboriginal land claims were anything but a federal responsibility, and insisted Ottawa must take a lead role to end the eight-month Caledonia occupation (CP: WStar D8).

Columnist Christina Blizzard: Both levels of government need to work together to resolve the Caledonia occupation. Perhaps Premier McGuinty could set the ball rolling by asking Prime Minister Harper to take control - by sending in the military. That would be one way to get the province off the hook for policing costs (LFP A10).

Saturday, November 4^th: Phil Monture, an advisor to the Six Nations Confederacy, questioned the accuracy of an 1844 federal document which indicates the band surrendered and sold the land currently occupied by Six Nations members in Caledonia. According to Mr. Monture, the document was prepared by a discredited Aboriginal agent and was illegal because it did not contain a survey plan (Daniel Nolan: HS A14).

Sunday, November 5^th: Columnist Lorrie Goldstein: Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice should start taking his job seriously and finally address the long lasting dispute over land in Caledonia (TSun C3).

Monday, November 6^th: Prime Minister Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty held a private meeting in Ottawa on Saturday. No details were available, but it is expected federal transfer payments and the Caledonia land dispute were discussed (CP: TStar A9).

Wednesday, November 8^th: According to provincial sources, the situation in Caledonia was discussed during a secretive meeting between Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Prime Minister Harper last Saturday. The PM reportedly undertook to consider sharing the escalating cost of policing the volatile situation in Caledonia (Ian Urquhart: TStar A25).

Sunday, November 12^th: A Toronto Star editorial asserted that the signs that the federal government wants little to do with the Caledonia dispute are clear. First, federal Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice rudely stood up his Ontario counterpart David Ramsay on Halloween when Mr. Ramsay arrived at Mr. Prentice’s Ottawa office for a scheduled meeting on the issue. Then, Mr. Prentice suggested the occupation by Six Nations protestors of a housing development south of Hamilton might not be exclusively a federal matter, because their claim to the land predates 1867, when Canada came into being. Such pettiness shows the lengths to which the Conservative government will go to pass the buck on this politically sensitive issue. Rather than try to deny its legal duties, Ottawa should work with Aboriginal leaders and Ontario to settle this dispute once and for all (TStar A16).

Monday, November 13^th: Newly appointed OPP commissioner Julian Fantino said the “sooner the better” it will be once the Ontario and federal governments sort out the land claim situation in Caledonia. Mr. Fantino stated, “I think the OPP has taken a bad rap ... because I think what was perceived is the OPP was there to solve this (land claim) problem. The resolution of this is not a police problem” (Richard Brennan: TStar A08).

Tuesday, November 14^th: Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer was reelected despite fears that the ongoing Six Nations occupation in Caledonia would hurt her at the polls (Timothy Appleby: G&M A18; Mike Oliveira: TSun 4; CP: OSun 12, KWR A3, HS A11).

Wednesday, November 15^th: According to David Ramsay, Ontario’s minister responsible for Aboriginal affairs, the federal government is prepared to take a new leadership role in settling the Six Nations land claims dispute in Caledonia. Mr. Ramsay said that he and Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice have agreed to set aside their differences on the issue. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty also indicated that the federal government had agreed to step up its role in the dispute, stating: “We are caught up in a police action here which apparently we are going to have to maintain indefinitely. Fundamentally, this is a dispute between the Six Nations community and the federal government ... My sense is the federal government is more impressed with the urgency of the situation” (Karen Howlett: G&M A7; Rob Ferguson: TStar A4; CP: WStar B4, HS A8, LFP B12, KWS 11).

A spokesperson for Minister Prentice told reporters that the federal government’s role in the Six Nations land claims dispute has not changed (CP: TSun 46).

Columnist Christina Blizzard: Premier McGuinty noted that the federal government is “more impressed with the urgency of the situation” in Caledonia, following a meeting between Minister Prentice and his Ontario counterpart. Perhaps the feds will just “resolve the situation,” by sending cash on a daily basis to pay for the cops. But I do not think so. Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory said he has pleaded with Mr. McGuinty to sit down with community leaders in Caledonia to negotiate an end to the occupation. That has not happened. It will not happen (TSun 20, OSun 15).

Thursday, November 16^th: Columnist Lee Prokaska: Marie Trainer's re-election as Haldimand County mayor comes at a time of some new impetus and renewed hope for resolution in Caledonia. After meeting with Prime Minister Harper and Minister Prentice earlier this month, Premier Dalton McGuinty believes Ottawa understands the urgency of ending the occupation. The federal government seems willing to at least consider helping with the costs. More importantly, there seems a willingness for a stronger federal leadership role at the negotiating table. That is good news for Caledonia and for Ms. Trainer as she starts her second term as county mayor (HS A16).

Christina Blizzard’s column was repeated from Wednesday (LFP A13).

Friday, November 17^th: OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino said continuing friction between Six Nations, residents and police at Caledonia will not be solved by the OPP’s presence at the site (Ian Robertson: TSun 16).

Monday, November 20^th: Toronto Sun: There is one group of people hurt by the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia which has been largely ignored up to now: The OPP. There have been allegations during this standoff that the OPP stood idly by and allowed law-breaking to occur while doing nothing. Newly-appointed OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino has rightly noted that politicians have to resolve this standoff, because that is not the job of the OPP. Are Premier McGuinty and PM Harper even listening as they pass the buck between them? (TSun 20).

Wednesday, November 22^nd: Letter writer Aaron Williams: The problems in Caledonia highlight the lack of recognition of the Aboriginal voice in Canada. The scandal in Kashechewan has demonstrated that the level of services in our reserves is disgraceful, compared to those in our other communities. Aboriginal women continue to be abused at a level that is completely unacceptable and the substance abuse problem is out of control. How is it that with all these problems our PM feels righteous enough to talk about the abuse of human rights in China? (TStar A27).

Monday, November 27^th: The Grand River Conservation Authority has reversed a previous committee decision and agreed to consult with the Six Nations Confederacy before embarking on a number of projects. Confederacy spokesperson Wes Elliott said it has no intention of causing long delays for authority projects. However, Mr. Elliott pointed out that the Confederacy does want to be consulted on issues that could affect the Grand River or land subject to First Nations land claims (Bob Burtt: KWR B1).

Thursday, November 30^th: Documents obtained by the Hamilton Spectator through access to information laws found the federal government is paying Barbara McDougall $1,600 a day to be Ottawa's representative in the Caledonia negotiations. Between May and the end of August, Ms. McDougall billed Ottawa for 185 hours or about a day and a half a week. Her tab for those hours was $39,000, including GST. Ian Sadinsky, who returned calls for Ms. McDougall, said the pace of work has picked up significantly in the last six weeks to more than two days a week. Ms. McDougall's bill does not include expenses, which during the first five months were $5,740. Mr. Sadinsky said most of that cost was for a limousine she uses to get to and from Caledonia. Mr. Sadinsky's bill for communications work he has done for Ms. McDougall was not included in the amount. Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson said that from her experience, Ms. McDougall is much less involved than her provincial counterpart Jane Stewart. Ms. Jamieson suggested taxpayers are not getting their money's worth (Marissa Nelson: HS A11).

Mainstream Media October 2006

October, 2006

Tuesday, October 3^rd: Gary and Christine McHale of Richmond Hill, co-organizers of the controversial “March for Freedom,” scheduled for Oct. 15, announced Monday that the rally will be held at the Caledonia fairgrounds instead of being directed toward the occupied Douglas Creek Estates. Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson called Mr. and Mrs. McHale instigators rather than people looking for an amicable resolution to the current dispute (Marissa Nelson: HS A7; CP: LFP B3).

Letter writer Damien Ciotti, Hamilton: It is unfair to expect Caledonia citizens to put up with intimidation and fear while Aboriginal protesters continue to flout the law in front of police. The government has bought the land from the developers to compensate them for their millions in losses, but what about those who were not involved but were affected? For their losses, the government should help the town and people of Caledonia (HS A14).

Saturday, October 7^th: A number of non-Aboriginal citizens living near the site of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia have erected U.S. flags in protest of the ongoing dispute. According to Ken Hewitt, a member of the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, people are fed up because their federal government has not supported them (Marissa Nelson: HS A14, KWR A3).

Wednesday, October 11^th: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has condemned a rally, dubbed the “March for Freedom,” scheduled for this weekend in Caledonia. However, Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay, despite sharing Mr. McGuinty’s opinion that the rally is a bad idea, has said he will not seek an injunction to halt the rally. Rally organizer Gary McHale said he is expecting 20,000 Ontarians to take part in the Sunday rally (Antonella Artuso: TSun 25, OSun 12; Chinta Puxley: HS A11, LFP B4; WStar B1; April Lindgren: VProv A16, Ctz A4, NP A9; CP: KWR A3).

Thursday, October 12^th: Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer said she is prepared to declare a state of emergency in Caledonia this weekend after the Ontario government said it will not stop a potentially dangerous rally and is counting on police to prevent bloodshed. Mayor Trainer said she will be on standby and hopes rain might deter people from participating in the rally. The rally has been organized to protest the ongoing Aboriginal occupation and is to include a march on the disputed land. The Six Nations occupiers have asked supporters to pressure the government to block the rally for fear it could spark more violent clashes, but Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay said the government has done everything it can. He said the province has asked rally organizers to stay away from the site (Marissa Nelson: HS A11; CP: WFP A8, WSun 20, HDN 9, Gaz A12, HCH A11, KWR A3).

Premier Dalton McGuinty encouraged organizers of the Caledonia rally to protest on the front lawn of Queen’s Park rather than at the site. Rally organizer Gary McHale turned down the invitation, saying “Politicians won’t pay attention unless we go to Caledonia. That’s the only reason they’re talking about it.” Meanwhile, Minister Ramsay said few people will want to attend an event where there is such potential for violence (Antonella Artuso: TSun 10, LFP A10).

Kingston Whig-Standard editorial: Holding a rally against the occupation makes about as much sense as flicking a lit cigarette into a bone-dry forest during the heat of summer. There has been a peaceful lull recently on and around the disputed land, as negotiations continue. To bring in a protest, organized by people outside the community, would only serve to rekindle hostilities (KWS 4).

Friday, October 13^th: New OPP commissioner Julian Fantino said Thursday he needs time to educate himself on the issues surrounding the Caledonia occupation. He accepted that officers’ morale has declined because of the dispute. OPPA president Karl Walsh said morale has declined because officers feel they are not being allowed to enforce the law because of fears the protest might turn violent (Antonella Artuso: TSun 4; Murray Campbell: G&M A10; April Lindgren: NP A11 and WStar C1; Betsy Powell: TStar A4; CP: HS A3).

Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay said people who participate in the rally in Caledonia Sunday are “putting their lives at risk.” Mr. Ramsay called march organizer Gary McHale and offered the grounds of Queen’s Park as a venue for the protest. Mr. McHale declined the offer, saying it would be useless to march there. Mr. McHale also met with the OPP Thursday to discuss different options. Mr. Ramsay stressed that the people on the land have a sincere belief that the land is theirs as part of the unresolved Plank Road land claim. Six Nations spokeswoman Janie Jamieson said they expect their own supporters to be at the site on Sunday. Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer expressed her concern that marching to the former Douglas Creek Estates would be “asking for a fight.” Mayor Trainer said she agrees with Mr. McHale’s stance that there's a “two-tier” justice system but still does not want him going near the site (Marissa Nelson: HS A12).

Rally organizer Gary McHale said he hopes to draw further attention to the Caledonia issue by leading 20,000 people onto the site, a move he expects the OPP to attempt to repel. That, he said, will prove Aboriginals are permitted to gather on the disputed land, while non-Aboriginals are not (Kelly Patrick: NP A6).

A Hamilton Spectator poll asked: Should protest rallies be allowed to take place on or near the occupied Douglas Creek Estates property in Caledonia? Sixty-nine percent voted yes, 31 percent voted no (HS A15).

Toronto Star editorial: Effective, progressive OPP leadership is vital, especially now. The OPP patrols vast areas of this province, including districts where the population is largely poor and Aboriginal. That is a huge challenge. The force is under much pressure over its handling of the ongoing standoff in Caledonia. The choice of Julian Fantino is a troubling one. Premier McGuinty must do better in explaining why the person he approved to take command of the OPP is the same man who was no longer deemed the best choice for Toronto (TStar A22).

Columnist Lorne Gunter: As has been the case with so much else in the Caledonia dispute, the government of Premier Dalton McGuinty does not have the backbone to seek an injunction against this weekend’s rally, even though they believe it will almost certainly lead to bodily injury and property damage. For months now, the Ontario government has done everything it can to ignore court orders calling for the occupiers to leave the site, so it cannot very well now ask for a court order to keep non-Aboriginals away, even if it is certain their presence will provoke violence. All along, this dispute has been about the rule of law. By not defending that rule when it had the chance, the Ontario government is left to hope this weekend that Caledonia will not descend into mob rule (NP A16).

Columnist Lee Prokaska: Purposely creating a situation with such potential to degenerate into violence is simply irresponsible. Tension is already thick in Caledonia. Exacerbating that tension is ill-conceived and counter-productive. It is all too easy to poke with a sharp stick if Caledonia is not your home, if you do not have to live with the outcomes on an ongoing basis, if you can drive away to a peaceful town after setting off the fireworks. Local people must live with the aftermath, and local people have a choice. Getting involved in such a patently provocative plan makes no sense at all. Boycotting this event, refusing to legitimize it by participating - that is the wise way to go (HS A14).

Columnist Gerald Owen warned that diversity can be divisive, citing the situation in Caledonia as an example (NP A19).

Letters to the editor concerning this weekend’s rally: (HS A14).

Saturday, October 14^th: Residents of Caledonia were getting ready for a potentially violent showdown Sunday amid plans for a march on the Six Nations occupation site by a group of non-Aboriginal people. The proposed rally, organized for this weekend by Richmond Hill residents Gary and Christine McHale, has resulted in the cancellation of sporting events, the closure of the town’s arena, and has left many business owners contemplating closing their doors on Sunday. Six Nations occupiers have indicated that they will host a “potluck for peace” at the occupation site at the same time as the rally. Occupiers have also indicated their intention to “secure” their site boundaries (Chinta Puxley: CH A15).

A spokesperson for the OPP said Friday that the police force will act to prevent those taking part in the proposed rally from entering the Six Nations occupied site (John Miner: LFP A1).

Even local organizations opposed to the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia have voiced their opposition to the proposed rally. Ken Hewitt, the representative of a local citizens group, criticized the organizers of the event, stating that the execution of it will be “questionable at best” (Marissa Nelson: HS A9).

Phil Fontaine, AFN National Chief: The Assembly of First Nations has great confidence in the ongoing negotiations between Six Nations and representatives of the federal and provincial governments in regards to disputed land at Caledonia, Ont. As for the protest march planned for Sunday, we hope the media, the public and the government pay as little attention as possible. Instead, we commend the people of Six Nations for organizing a Potluck for Peace Picnic on the same day (NP A17).

Letter writer Lisa W. Parent stated Premier Dalton McGuinty should be ashamed for subjecting Caledonia to the OPP who clearly put the Aboriginal occupiers ahead of the taxpaying citizens of the town. She added: “I guess we are not important to him in his re-election” (HS A20).

Letter writer Denise Dicy: In the name of peace, community and humanity, instead of stirring the pot this weekend, support the Six Nations Confederacy’s call to the Canadian government to provide responsible and accountable governance (HS A20).

Sunday, October 15^th: Despite opposition from the OPP and the government of Ontario, rally organizer Gary McHale has remained adamant that the rally will proceed as planned (Natalie Pona: TSun 16).

Monday, October 16^th: Police arrested three men involved in the rally held Sunday in Caledonia, and managed to prevent anyone taking part in the rally from crossing onto the Six Nations occupied site. Approximately 500 people were reported to have taken part in the rally, which was organized in protest of what organizers called a “two-tier” justice system currently being employed in the Caledonia dispute (John Miner: LFP A1, TSun 3; Gregory Bonnell: G&M A8; Kelly Patrick: NP A4, WStar B1, CH A6; Rob Faulkner: HS A1; Sharon Boase & Rob Faulkner: HS A9; CP: Gaz A13, ESun 7, OSun 12, VTC A8, HDN 9, CSun 17).

The Hamilton Spectator published an account of various happenings around Caledonia in relation to the Sunday rally (HS A9).

Tuesday, October 17^th: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty praised the work of OPP officers who stood guard on Sunday at the disputed land site in Caledonia while opponents of the Six Nations occupation held a rally. Mr. McGuinty said that, while he understands the frustration of Caledonian residents, the Six Nations land claim has been 150 years in the making and will not be resolved in a matter of months. Ontario PC leader John Tory was critical of the Premier for failing to impose reasonable conditions on the Six Nations occupiers (Antonella Artuso: TSun 9).

National Post editorial: The rally in Caledonia this weekend highlighted the iniquitous way in which the law is being applied in this standoff. While police were keeping non-Aboriginal marchers away from the housing development site, Aboriginal squatters and their supporters held a potluck picnic there, despite three judicial injunctions ordering them off. As has been the case since this dispute turned violent last April, the OPP have been called on to make sure non-Aboriginal People obey the law, while simultaneously being politically hamstrung from ensuring Aboriginal People do the same (NP A14).

Ottawa Sun editorial: We worry that all hell will break loose before the dispute in Caledonia is resolved. And when it does, we wonder how Ontario Premier McGuinty and his buddies at Queen's Park will be able to look in the mirror. The simple fact that we are now eight months into the standoff tells us all we need to know about the leadership abilities of the current provincial government. Instead of insisting that the law be applied equally and evenly to all Ontario residents last February, when Aboriginal People illegally occupied the housing development site, the government stood meekly aside (OSun 14).

Columnist Lee Prosaka: Most Caledonia residents showed good sense in ignoring Sunday's rally in Caledonia. There is no doubt Caledonia residents are upset about the continued occupation of the disputed land. Caledonia residents need to feel someone in authority cares about what is happening to them (HS A14).

Wednesday, October 18^th: Premier Dalton McGuinty turned down an offer to stay in a Caledonia home to experience the Six Nations occupation first hand, telling reporters Tuesday, “I have not chosen to go to Caledonia to this point in time because I do not think it would be of any value when it comes to accelerating the resolution of this in a peaceful manner.” On the weekend, Caledonia resident AnneMarie VanSickle, whose home backs on to the protest site, invited Mr. McGuinty to spend the night in her home. Ontario PC leader John Tory, who has visited Caledonia half a dozen times, said it is high time Mr. McGuinty went there (Kerry Gillespie: TStar A20).

Health Canada launched an investigation into cigarette billboards advertising Six Nations tobacco products and stores along Highway 6 near Caledonia. However, the investigation has provoked response from Six Nations spokespersons, who have accused the federal government of engaging in ploy tactics to divert attention from land claims in the region (Marissa Nelson: HS A13; CP: HCH A5, LH A9).

Friday, October 20^th: The OPP Association warned the prolonged dispute in Caledonia is forcing many OPP officers to work "excessive" overtime and threatening the level of policing elsewhere in Ontario. The Association will release a poll today that suggests most Ontarians want to see the RCMP brought in to help keep the situation under control (Alan Cairns: TSun 7; Anthony Reinhart: G&M A14; Tom Blackwell: NP A6; Sun Media: OSun 14; CW: WFP A19, WStar C1).

Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer says she is pleased controversial tobacco signs along Highway 6 have been taken away, though she was not sure who took them down. Six Nations spokeswoman Janie Jamieson said she was also not sure who had taken the sign (Marissa Nelson: HS A13).

Saturday, October 21^st: The federal government told Six Nations it does not have legal title to the Caledonia. A federal negotiator told a town meeting last night Ottawa could be wrong and wants to negotiate a way out of the occupation. Six Nations officials are to return to a Nov. 3 meeting with evidence to prove the Argyle Street South site was not surrendered in the 1840s. Ron Doering, a lawyer hired by the Conservative government to help deal with the land claim, said the federal government has documents from 1844 indicating the Douglas Creek Estates land was surrendered and sold (Daniel Nolan: HS A15).

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty told reporters in Niagara Falls that the federal government should pick up the tab for the Caledonia land-claims dispute because Aboriginal affairs are a federal responsibility. Mr. McGuinty’s remarks coincided with the release of an opinion poll commissioned by the Ontario Provincial Police Association suggesting 80% of Ontario residents think the federal government should take charge in the Caledonia standoff (Timothy Appleby: G&M A14).

A fed-up Premier Dalton McGuinty accused the federal government of dragging its feet on Caledonia and will be sending the federal government a bill for the millions of dollars the Aboriginal standoff has cost Ontario taxpayers. The comments marked an abrupt shift in the way Mr. McGuinty typically talks of working with the federal government to patiently and peacefully resolve the increasingly controversial occupation that began last February (Rob Ferguson: TStar A21).

The Ontario government does not know how much the Caledonia land dispute has cost its taxpayers, even as they press Ottawa to pick up part of the bill. For taxpayers to find out the total will be costly. The Hamilton Spectator has asked for detailed records of the Caledonia costs through various information laws. Bureaucrats have said it will take hundreds of hours and cost thousands of dollars to find, prepare and copy the records (HS A15).

Sunday, October 22^nd: Columnist Christina Blizzard stated that she had some sympathy for Premier Dalton McGuinty on Friday when he said he wants compensation from the federal government for the costs associated with the standoff with Aboriginal protesters at Caledonia. Finance Minister Greg Sorbara made it clear he thinks the feds are missing in action on a number of issues, not just the land claim issues and smoking ads. Mr. Sorbara said “We would like the federal government to show up one of these days” (TSun C7).

Monday, October 23^rd: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty called on the federal government to provide funding to settle the Six Nations land claim in Caledonia. Mr. McGuinty was quoted as stating, “We intend to claim for compensation from the federal government and we would encourage the federal government to fully assume its proper responsibility and begin to bring some real vigour to the negotiations and to bring them to some conclusion.” Bill Rodgers, spokesperson for Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, said the premier’s request came as a surprise to Minister Prentice, who was travelling and could not respond immediately (Chinta Puxley: LFP C5).

Columnist Christina Blizzard: Much as the province of Ontario has been active at Caledonia - buying out the developers of the disputed Douglas Creek Estates, for example - Aboriginal issues are essentially a federal issue. Yet Prime Minister Harper has been the Teflon man on this one, while Mr. McGuinty and his minister responsible for Aboriginal affairs, David Ramsay, have taken some big hits (LFP A6).

Maurice Switzer, Director of Communications, Union of Ontario Indians: The National Post’s April 22 editorial, “Hardly a ‘nation’” advised Six Nations’ citizens reclaiming their land at Caledonia to “give up the fantasy” that they are a sovereign nation. Presumably the Post’s writers do not accept any interpretation of the Royal Proclamation of 1763, by which Britain recognized the sovereignty of Indian nations, and decreed that they should “not be molested in their lands” (NP A12).

Tuesday, October 24^th: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said Tuesday that the federal government needs to provide at least $25 million in funding to cover the costs of the ongoing Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. Mr. McGuinty said that David Ramsay, the provincial minister responsible for Aboriginal affairs, was to meet this week with his federal counterpart to discuss compensation. However, according to a spokesperson for Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, no meeting has been scheduled, and Mr. Prentice will not respond to the Ontario government until he gets a formal request for funding (Chinta Puxley: LFP A11, KWS 14, RLP D6, LH A12, KWR A4; Daniel Nolan: HS A9; KWS 13).

Columnist Ian Urquhart: Prime Minister Harper is getting off scot-free on Caledonia issue, even though Indian land claims are constitutionally a federal responsibility. David Ramsay, the Ontario minister responsible for Aboriginal affairs, contacted Indian Affairs Minister Prentice last Sunday, pressing for a face-to-face meeting this week. However, Minister Prentice, apparently not sharing his sense of urgency, put him off until next week. Media inquiries to Minister Prentice’s office have also been brushed off. Ontario and Caledonia are apparently not on federal opposition parties’ radar screens. No wonder Mr. Harper was smiling during his visit to Niagara Falls last week (KWR A18).

Thursday, October 26^th: A confidential provincial report says land offered to Six Nations to help resolve the Caledonia standoff contains an unregistered landfill, asbestos and may also have burial grounds. Provincial staff also expect the decommissioning of the mothballed Burtch Correctional Centre will cost at least $1 million. A briefing report prepared by the Ontario Realty Corporation says there may be Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal people buried on the 153 hectare site. Aboriginal affairs spokesperson Anne-Marie Flanagan said the province is now studying the property to determine if there are any burial sites present (Marissa Nelson: HS A1).

In a letter to the editor, Bob Thibeau argued the OPP do not deserve praise over the Caledonia dispute (HS A16).

Friday, October 27^th: Opposition MPPs criticized Aaron Lazarus, director of issues management for Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, after he referred to a letter from MP Diane Finley, pleading for help for Caledonia, as “a joke.” Associate press secretary Jane Almeida said it appears Mr. Lazarus was expressing his frustration that Ms. Finley sent the letter four months after the occupation began (Marissa Nelson: HS A1).

Saturday, October 28^th: Prime Minister Harper, in response to questioning from reporters about the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia, said that the dispute is a provincial policing matter (San Grewal: TStar A15).

Lynda Powless, owner/editor of The Turtle Island News: Six Nations actions have always been in defence of the land. The Caledonia Reclamation is no different. Our history has been written by many, and as a result, the perspective has always been one tainted with defence of the encroachments of Euro-Canadian settlers onto Six Nations lands. The simple fact happens to be that the Grand River lands belong to the Six Nations. Land leases and sales occurred over the years, some of them “legal” and the majority illegal. The fact that Canada has failed to live up to its obligations could, in fact, deem even those legal sales questionable (KWR A19).

Monday, October 30^th: Ken Coates, professor of history and dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Waterloo: As much as federal and provincial politicians would wish otherwise, the standoff at Caledonia simply will not go away. While the details of the Caledonia situation are well understood, the dispute’s broader legal and political context is not as familiar to the public. The Indian Claims Commission was set up in 1991 to provide Aboriginal groups with a means of appealing initial land claims decisions by the government and to resolve smaller claims. Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice once served on the commission. There are a number of claims in preparation or at the preliminary discussion stages. In other instances, Aboriginal groups have removed their claim from the government’s process and have gone directly to court, seeking a faster and more precise resolution of their case. It is imperative that a new system be adopted, arm’s length from government, with the power to collect evidence, review arguments and render judgments relating to Aboriginal claims (KWR A7).

Tuesday, October 31^st: OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino said his force will keep the peace in Caledonia but it is not the role of the police to resolve the occupation. The commissioner agreed the occupation is the single biggest issue facing him in his new post. He said one of his first priorities is to review whether a large contingent of officers needs to remain in Caledonia. Meanwhile, officials from the provincial and federal governments are negotiating with Six Nations representatives. Ginette Albert, spokesperson for Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay, said Mr. Ramsay and INAC Minister Jim Prentice were scheduled to meet today in Ottawa to talk about ways "to speed things up" (Richard Brennan: TStar A15; Gregory Bonnell: HCH A6, WStar A8, KWS 11; Jack Boland: TSun 9; CP: HS A3, LFP B10, G&M A9, KWR A3).

PC MPP Bob Runciman: Premier McGuinty wants Prime Minister Harper to foot the bill for policing in Caledonia, the $22-million cost of the land, the $1.5-million compensation package for local businesses and who knows what else. Perhaps he will add the cost of compensation promised to local homeowners on June 16 of this year, or better yet, he will ask the PM to keep this promise for him. Should Mr. Harper be expected to pay for things he had no say in approving? The federal government does not have jurisdiction over the title to the occupied land. Furthermore, regulations around land use, construction and development are the province's responsibility, as are public safety of the site and local highways. Every day that Premier McGuinty continues to mismanage the Caledonia file, and fails to uphold the rule of law, is another day that the costs of the occupation will be driven upward. Trying to pass the buck to the federal government merely proves that Mr. McGuinty has lost faith in his own ability to end the occupation (NP A16).

Mainstream Media September 2006

September, 2006

Friday, September 1^st: Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay and federal Minister of Indian Affairs Jim Prentice told Six Nations Confederacy Chief Allen MacNaughton in a joint letter that continued disturbance on the Douglas Creek Estates site jeopardizes the land claims negotiations. Mr. Ramsay said Mr. MacNaughton had not responded to the letter Thursday, but the Minister added he had spoken with the Chief after the letter was sent. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty endorsed the letter and said peace needs to be restored in Caledonia (John Burman: HS A3; Keith Leslie: TStar A7, CBWS 7, KWS 32; CP: CBP A7, HDN 10, ESun 36, WSun 8, LFP B4, KWR A4).

The cost to Ontario taxpayers of purchasing Douglas Creek Estates has climbed by another $8.6 million to $20.9 million. Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay said that Ontarians who might question the cost of purchasing the land need to realize that there are “millions of dollars of outstanding liability on unsettled land claims (throughout Ontario)” (April Lindgren: Ctz A5, WStar A9, Gaz A12, NP A4; Antonella Artuso: TSun 10).

Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer told Premier Dalton McGuinty’s chief of staff Thursday that neighbours of occupied Douglas Creek Estates are so “disheartened” by the occupation that they want the province to buy them out as well (Marissa Nelson and Daniel Nolan: HS A1).

Columnist Lee Prokaska: Perhaps the Aboriginal occupiers simply do not care what message is sent by what happens at Douglas Creek Estates. That attitude risks the erosion of whatever goodwill currently exists toward them in the non-Aboriginal community. Those occupying the site have nothing to lose by vacating the land, and so much to gain (HS A15).

Saturday, September 2^nd: There will be extra police on the streets over the long weekend in Caledonia, where concerns linger about violence erupting between residents and Six Nations protesters (KWR A3).

According to a spokesman for a local residents’ group that calls itself “Caledonia Resistance,” many residents are hunting enthusiasts who have considered turning their guns on the occupiers during tense situations (Alex Dobrota: G&M A10).

The residential area that borders the disputed land in Caledonia has decreased substantially in value. According to Caledonia real estate broker Bruce MacDonald, the only option for those next to the subdivision is to wait, as any house bordering the occupied land would sell at decreased price (Marissa Nelson: HS A5).

The Catholic School Board has reaffirmed a plan to build an eight-foot high privacy fence behind Notre Dame School to shield students from the Aboriginal occupation of the Douglas Creek housing development (Daniel Nolan: HS A5).

Letter writer Joe Galasso, Caledonia: Re: ‘Three hurt in fire on occupied land site’ (Aug. 31): Enough! People are now hurt and all through this stupid and unnecessary occupation, many have said that sooner rather than later someone will be hurt or worse (HS A19).

Letter writer Chris Robertson, Hamilton: Jane Stewart is being paid $1,300 per day to be the provincial negotiator. Would it not be better to pay her a flat $10,000 to resolve the entire crisis? Thirteen hundred dollars a day would seem to me like an incentive for a negotiator to let the crisis go on and on (HS A19).

Wednesday, September 6^th: During a “back-to-class” visit Tuesday at Notre Dame Catholic School in Caledonia, Ont., Premier Dalton McGuinty expressed disappointment over the fact that a wood fence that was supposed to separate the elementary school from the Six Nations occupation taking place next door had not been finished (Antonella Artuso: TSun 8; Lauren LaRose: G&M A5; CP: Gaz A9, VProv A21, LFP B2; KWS 9).

A dozen OPP officers were on hand Tuesday at Notre Dame Catholic School in Caledonia to keep an eye on the Six Nations occupation (Deirdre Healey: HS A1 & A7).

Kingston Whig-Standard editorial: There is no shortage of critics of the provincial government on how it is dealing with the Caledonia land dispute issue. It appears as if this government is trying to handle the matter with kid gloves after the Ipperwash fiasco a decade ago. Today in Caledonia, the province now owns the disputed land, holds it in trust, and lets the Aboriginal People continue to occupy it. That needs to be followed by swift negotiations and responsible actions on both sides of the barricades. A swift solution is in everyone’s interests, and violence and confrontations will only slow the process (KWS 4).

Rory Leishman: The McGuinty government’s decision to continue negotiating with Six Nations occupiers in Caledonia has left Ontario PC leader John Tory justifiably scandalized. Mr. Tory has argued that the Premier should only agree to negotiate with those who respect the rule of law. Mr. Tory is right, in this instance, but he should be more consistent. If he sincerely believes the rule of law should apply “in downtown Toronto or anywhere else,” he should press the attorney general to bring charges against all the men who routinely violate the Criminal Code, by parading naked through the streets of Toronto in that city’s annual gay pride parade (LFP A9).

Friday, September 8^th: Columnist Marion Rice: “why is the Canadian taxpayer responsible for all the costs incurred during this occupation by Aboriginal protesters? Maybe we should start withholding our tax dollars. How long would it take for the governments to respond then? This whole situation in Caledonia is a slap in the face to every law-abiding citizen in Canada” (LFP A10).

Sunday, September 10^th: Brant Bardy, Program Manager, Aboriginal Media, First Nations Technical Institute: Caledonia residents need not worry about their elementary school-aged children being harmed by the Six Nations occupiers. The Six Nations People also have children whom they care for and love. It may be a bit ironic to note that many Six Nations children were taken from their parents by government force and placed in state- and church-sponsored residential schools where they suffered from acculturation and abuse. If anyone can empathize with the need for protecting children, it is Six Nations and other Indigenous Nations of Canada (HS A23).

Monday, September 11^th: Letter writer Garry Horsnell, Brantford: Why don’t the Six Nations’ occupiers and the people of Caledonia get together, occupy public land in front of the parliament buildings in Ottawa and vent their anger at the federal government instead of at each other? (HS A14).

Denis Perreault, Kitchener: I find it interesting that to Premier Dalton McGuinty it is not acceptable that the First Nations occupiers in Caledonia occupy the disputed lands through the winter; however, it seems to be totally acceptable that they occupy the land all spring, summer and autumn. What is Mr. McGuinty’s criteria for acceptability - the weather? (KWR A8).

Wednesday, September 20^th: The province of Ontario is holding consultations with Six Nations officials in an effort to extend Highway 7 across the Grand River (Jeff Outhit: KWR B1).

Saturday, September 23^rd: Six Nations protesters are calling on the province to stop a rally they say could spark a “volatile situation” on the former housing development Aboriginals have occupied in Caledonia, Ont., since February. A couple from Richmond Hill, Ont., who founded the group Caledonia Wake Up Call, has organized a rally for Oct. 15 on the disputed land saying the public has a right to use government property (RLP D12).

Columnist Kelly Patrick: Despite appearances, things have indeed changed for the 11,000 Aboriginal Peoples living on Six Nations, just as they have for the people of neighbouring Caledonia. A wide, nasty rift has opened between the two communities. The Cold War in Caledonia could easily turn hot again, especially if conflict becomes stirred up by outsiders with no connection to Caledonia or the reserve (NP A8).

Letter writer Jeff Outhit: There has been a complex understanding of the entire history of the land surrounding Caledonia, and its claim by the Six Nations. Aboriginal leaders have said they are looking not to displace people. Rather, they seek recognition, consultation and compensation (KWR A1).

Sunday, September 24^th: Halifax Chronicle-Herald editorial: Canada’s much vaunted reputation for tolerance took a step back this summer in Caledonia. Is the new Conservative government ready to change decades of failed policies? Early signs are mixed. As a one-time member of a federal claims commission, Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice has wide experience of Aboriginal affairs. He has already pledged to slash the backlog of claims and to do more for off-reserve Aboriginals. The government has also agreed to honour the promise of $2.2 billion by the previous government to compensate the victims of abuse in Aboriginal residential schools. But other moves seem less promising: Mr. Prentice has declined to intervene in Caledonia, refused to support a UN declaration on indigenous rights and reneged on the last government’s pledge of an extra $5 billion Canadian dollars for social schemes (HCH S6).

Monday, September 25^th: Gary McHale, co-organizer of the “March For Freedom” in Caledonia, took issue with comments made by former Ontario premier David Peterson, in which Mr. Peterson said Friday that he doubts anyone will take the rally seriously. Mr. Peterson stated of the planned event, “There are a lot of wackos in society. It is important not to give them too much credibility.” Mr. McHale, who is also co-organizer of the group “Caledonia Wake Up Call,” called the former premier’s comments offensive. Mr. McHale pointed out that the planned rally is not intended to protest the Six Nations occupation of land in the region, but is meant to highlight the “two-tier justice” that is being dealt out in Caledonia by the OPP (Lauren La Rose: TSun 29, WSun 15).

Tuesday, September 26^th: Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay told reporters Monday that his department will not try to stop the controversial rally led by a non-Aboriginal group on land occupied by the Six Nations in Caledonia, Ont. According to Mr. Ramsay, all sides in the dispute have agreed to a 30-metre “no-go” zone, which will be patrolled by the OPP (Chinta Puxley: WStar B7, KWS 11, TSun 27; Marissa Nelson: HS A3; CP: RLP A4, LFP B4; AP: KWR A3; EJ A5).

In a daylong onslaught aimed at Justice T. David Marshall of the Ontario Superior Court, lawyers for the province, the OPP and Six Nations said Monday that the judge was completely off base when he ordered parties in the dispute to report back to him as if he were their supervisor (Kirk Makin: G&M A10; Jessica Leeder: TStar A16).

Wednesday, September 27^th: Ontario Conservative leader John Tory said Tuesday that he estimates the cost to taxpayers of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia has been approximately $55-million. Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay said Tuesday night he had no idea if Mr. Tory’s estimate was correct, but said that his government would tabulate and release to the public the total cost of the occupation (Daniel Nolan: HS A1; CP: RLP E6, OSun 12, TSun 38; WFP A9).

Superior Court Justice David Marshall was criticized by a number of lawyers during an Ontario Court of Appeal panel Tuesday (Peter Van Harten: HS A5).

David Byers, the lawyer representing Caledonia residents, told an Ontario Appeal Court Tuesday that Justice Marshall should not be criticized for allegedly acting improperly, as the judge has kept “an eye on the community interest” (James Rusk: G&M A12; CP: LFP A5).

Ottawa Sun editorial: The new 30-metre “no-go zone” in Caledonia will come as little comfort to local residents who would have preferred a real solution to an occupation that has been allowed to continue for far too long (OSun 14).

Columnist Lee Prosaka: The decision to widen the “no-go zone” around the Six Nations occupation site in Caledonia should be good for people on both sides of the situation, especially if a Richmond Hill couple goes ahead with an extremely ill-conceived “March For Freedom” planned for Oct. 15 on the disputed land. Certainly, rally organizer Gary McHale has the right to express an opinion about the way the Caledonia situation has been handled by police. But having the right to do something does not make it the right thing to do (HS A17).

Thursday, September 28^th: Conservative MPP Bob Runciman accused the Ontario government of weakness for paying for hydro and water into the Caledonia housing site occupied by members of the Six Nations. His accusation came after Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay confirmed the government has been paying the power bill for the homes since the province bought the site off the developers. Mr. Runciman noted Premier Dalton McGuinty recently spoke out against the occupiers staying on the site during the winter. Mr. Ramsay said he was proud of the government’s handling of the occupation, which has not lead to any loss of life (Daniel Nolan: HS A5).

Despite tensions, Six Nations people plan to return to Edinburgh Square, near the Caledonia fair, to run parking and make sure people understand that the square is on disputed land. Spokeswoman Janie Jamieson said the square will be run the same way as every other year, even if attitudes have changed because of the dispute. Asked whether she was concerned that there might be problems, she said they could only deal with realities as they arise. An OPP spokeswoman confirmed trouble is not expected, though there will be an increased police presence (G&M A12, KWR A3; Marissa Nelson: HS A5).

Susan Clairmont wrote a commentary on Ontario Superior Court Justice David Marshall’s rulings on the Caledonia dispute (HS A2).

Friday, September 29^th: Several letters to the editor dealt with issues concerning the Caledonia occupation (HS A15).

Mainstream Media August 2006

August, 2006

Tuesday, August 1^st: Ontario Conservative Leader John Tory argued that the province should break off land claims talks with Six Nations members until they end their occupation of the contested land in Caledonia. Darrell Doxtdator, adviser to Six Nations Chief David General, said comments like Mr. Tory's could disrupt the ongoing negotiations (CP: Chinta Puxley: TStar A2, WFP A7, CBP A7, G&M A9, WStar C1, KWR A3).

Mr. Tory’s proposal was dismissed by the province as the wrong approach. Anne-Marie Flanagan, a spokesperson for provincial Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay, said: “I think we've made a lot of progress working together and we're going to continue to work together on this” (Daniel Nolan: HS A4).

Columnist Christina Blizzard: The Homeowners in Caledonia that I talk to are so fearful for their safety, they would not give their names. The provocative and violent way in which the Aboriginal protesters made their demands in Caledonia could, under other circumstances, have led to a far different outcome. By buying the disputed Caledonia land from the developers the Ontario government has just created a might-is-right precedent (TSun 17).

Columnist Robert Howard: The new commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police must rebuilt the trust that was lost by former commissioner Gwen Boniface over the Caledonia stand-off (HS A15).

Wednesday, August 2^nd: Documents reveal that the RCMP had more than 80 officers working at a the site of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia, including elite troops from the anti-biker gang unit, a clandestine drug lab and national security teams. The documents confirm complaints by the occupiers that they were under constant but unrevealed monitoring by security forces. Six Nations spokesperson Hazel Hill said the range of training by the officers shows the government views the occupiers as “criminals, drug-smuggling, gun-toting terrorists whose mission is to destroy the government.” Asked if the RCMP's involvement in Caledonia may hurt the police force’s relations with First Nations, Ms. Hill responded: “I don't think it could get any worse.” The RCMP said the special training of those deployed was inconsequential to their deployment. But security experts say it is appropriate to ask why officers with heavy-duty training in specialties like biker gangs and drugs would be sent to Caledonia. RCMP Chief Superintendent Bob Paulson said the RCMP no longer have officers supporting the OPP in Caledonia (Marissa Nelson and Joan Walters: HS A1, TStar A3; CP: KWR A3).

The Hamilton Spectator included a list and description of the various specialized RCMP units represented in Caledonia including Integrated Proceeds of Crime Section, Integrated Border Enforcement Teams and Immigration and Passports (HS A5).

OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface said her officers are dealing with a "complex situation" in Caledonia and are doing the best job they can in maintaining law and order. She would not comment directly on complaints that there is a two-tier justice system. The commissioner met behind closed doors with some residents of Caledonia. At the same time Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer met with residents to collect complaints about the occupation. Ms. Trainer said Haldimand will consider replacing the OPP with a municipal force (Daniel Nolan: HS A7).

Kitchener-Waterloo Record editorial: Some members of the Six Nations may argue that the Crown took the disputed land in Caledonia improperly from them more than 200 years ago, but the proper place to make this case is in the courts, not on the streets. The alternative to the rule of law is chaos. This is not a concept that in the long run serves the interests of either Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal people (KWR A8).

Christina Blizzard’s column on Caledonia was repeated (OSun 15, LFP A9).

Thursday, August 3^rd: The Ontario government will install a berm or a wall behind an elementary school to prevent students from viewing the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. Parents of students at Notre Dame School are worried that visions of Aboriginal people walking around in fatigues and flying First Nations flags could be upsetting to their children. Some parents called for the occupiers to be removed from the site in order to alleviate their worries. Provincial negotiator John Nolan said talks continue on who owns the land, but he did not think Six Nations' claim can be proven. He also dismissed rumours a casino will be built on the site (Daniel Nolan: HS A5).

Premier Dalton McGuinty's handling of the Caledonia standoff could be causing trouble for his Liberals with Hamilton and Niagara region voters (Daniel Nolan: HS A9).

Friday, August 4^th: Christina Blizzard’s column on the Six Nations occupation was repeated (OSun 15, LFP A11).

Monday, August 7^th: With negotiations between Aboriginal leaders and representatives from both the federal and provincial governments stalled until Aug. 24 the tension in Caledonia has been simmering. On any given day, between five and 50 Aboriginals, disturbed with the slow pace of land-claim talks, gather on the site of the disputed housing project. Residents of Caledonia are losing patience with the government’s reluctance to dislodge the Aboriginal protesters (Alex Dobrota: G&M A7).

Tuesday, August 8^th: Violence erupted at the site of the Six Nations occupation near Caledonia when occupiers and area residents traded insults and threw rocks. Ontario Provincial Police spokesman Constable Dennis Harwood said more than 100 Caledonia residents and protesters from the nearby Six Nations reserve were involved in the three-hour incident. He noted that there was some property damage but no one got hurt. Residents have said they are living in fear because of the ongoing occupation (Chris Wattie: Ctz A3, VSun A6, EJ A5, NP A4, WFP A10, WStar C1, Gaz A12).

Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer said the altercation ensued after Aboriginals began a fire on the occupied land. However, she said residents were already angry, and claimed that the occupiers had thrown rocks at the home of an 89-year-old man whose house borders the occupied land (CP: HDN 10, RLP A3, CBP A1, TStar A2, HCH A4, CG A5, KWS 9, LFP A4, TSun 16, WSun 12, OSun 12, KWR A3, NBTJ A3, FDG A2).

It was alleged that the capture of a First Nations flag by a Caledonia resident was a mitigating factor in the altercation. As well, the centre of a Canadian flag was reportedly cut out by some of the occupiers (Alex Dobrota: G&M A8).

Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson said the Caledonia residents “instigated” the fight as a way of persuading Ontario Court Justice David Marshall's decision on whether or not to enforce an injunction to remove the occupiers (Deirdre Healey: HS A3).

Montreal Gazette editorial: If the occupiers feel emboldened by the impunity they have been given by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's government, and if others in the neighbourhood feel abandoned by that same government and by police forces, both are likely to turn to more extreme measures. It is not a healthy situation. Mr. McGuinty should enforce the law before this situation gets out of hand (Gaz A18).

Wednesday, August 9^th: Justice T. David Marshall ruled that land claims talks between the Six Nations and the Ontario and federal governments should end and only resume when Six Nations occupiers leave the disputed land. Members of the Six Nations threatened to pull a downed metal hydro tower over Highway 6 if the provincial government heeds the judge's order. Several Six Nations representatives said they plan to ignore the ruling and continue negotiations. The judge's ruling surprised Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, who said he was still determining his government’s response. Deirdra McCracken, a spokesperson for Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, said the government is considering the judge's ruling. Caledonia residents said they doubt the ruling will restore normality. An OPP spokesperson said that the force will not be conducting another raid of the occupied site. A source close to the government negotiations said that Judge Marshall's order would only make matters worse (Alex Dobrota: G&M A1).

David Peterson, the former Ontario premier who got the land-claim negotiations underway earlier this year, called Judge Marshall's ruling “a little bizarre.” He asked: “How can he order an end to negotiations? ... I don't know if it's enforceable and I don't know what the purpose would be even if it is” (Chris Wattie: NP A1, VTC A6, WFP A7, Gaz A8, EJ A5, Ctz A4, WStar B1, SSP B6).

Six Nations spokesperson Clyde Powless said Judge Marshall has “no jurisdiction” because “this is a federal issue and he is an Ontario court judge.” Mr. McGuinty said he will try to reach Prime Minister Stephen Harper before deciding on a next step. A spokesperson for Justice Minister Vic Toews said he could not comment on the decision because it is before the courts (Jessica Leeder: TStar A1; Deirdre Healey & Barb McKay: HS A1).

Constitutional law expert Peter H. Russell said that while he has great regard for the judge, he knows of nothing in law covering injunctions that would extend a judge's authority to actually step into the negotiations and bring them to a halt. Mr. Russell also said “there is no higher law (in Canada) that says failure to deal with a court order is (more serious) than the treaty rights of an Aboriginal group. It was noted that a planned meeting between archeologists and the occupiers, to discuss examination of archeological finds on the development site, was called off after Judge Marshall's ruling (John Burman & Deirdre Healey: HS A5).

Six Nations spokesperson Hazel Hill said government negotiators cancelled a meeting to address the group's claims of significant archeological finds on the site, saying they would be in contempt of court. Ken Hewitt, of the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, said his group welcomed the judge's ruling because it adds a “sense of urgency” to resolving the dispute (CP: Chinta Puxley: CG A5, CBP A1, HCH A5, LFP A1, TSun 4, WSun 14, KWS 9, CBWS 7, MTT C1).

There were worries that the judge’s order would result in a confrontation between Caledonia residents and the occupiers. While the two sides faced off the conflict did not escalate to a physical confrontation (Brodie Fenlon: TSun 4).

James Rusk profiled Judge Marshall. It was noted that his deep roots in the region have prompted accusations of possible bias on both sides. Judge Marshall was once named an honorary chief of the Six Nations. The family property on which he lives lies within the Haldimand Grant, the vast parcel of land that lies at the core of the legal dispute in Caledonia (G&M A12).

London Free Press editorial: Judge Marshall's order that negotiations be suspended accomplishes two things: It reminds both sides of the gravity of the fact that past court orders have not been carried out, and it attempts to dial down the temperature in a community that feels it is under siege (LFP A8).

National Post editorial: Judge Marshall’s ruling that the occupation must end before negotiations continue should have been the non-negotiable position of authorities from the outset. Instead, a gang of masked thugs have been allowed to run amuck for six months, sowing violence, encouraging Aboriginal extremism and living out the most racist stereotypes that white Canadians have of Aboriginal people. Negotiations should continue. But first, the land must be cleared of protesters and the lawlessness brought to an end (NP A16).

Ottawa Citizen editorial: Justice Marshall is right to demand the occupiers leave the disputed land but it is the responsibility of politicians to resolve, peacefully if possible, what are essentially political conflicts. The decision to negotiate (or not) does not belong to the judge. When Caledonia is finally cleared, Justice Marshall would be right to find some of the parties in contempt of his court (Ctz A12).

Toronto Star editorial: It is difficult to see how this decision will improve relations between the feuding sides or how it will help to bring about a peaceful resolution of this complex issue. To halt the talks now could jeopardize a deal and ultimately lead to more violence. As a sign of good faith, protestors should voluntarily leave the disputed site if they get assurances the land will be available to them if they succeed in their negotiations. They have made their point and drawn the attention of governments to settle their land claim (TStar A18).

Toronto Sun editorial: If Mr. McGuinty will not listen to reason on the Caledonia standoff, maybe he will listen to a court order. About the only thing Mr. McGuinty said in response to the ruling that made sense was that he hoped the ruling would not escalate tensions, and he appealed for everyone to remain calm. We second the appeal for calm (TSun 20).

Winnipeg Free Press editorial: The way in which the confrontation in the Ontario town of Caledonia is eventually settled may set the tone for the resolution of Aboriginal land claims across the country and perhaps for even more than that. That is a disturbing thought, because the tone in Caledonia today is shrill, ugly and lawless. This is not just about a particularly unpleasant land claim dispute in a small Ontario town. It is about the rule of law on which all Canadians depend (WFP A10).

Kevin Cavanagh: Aboriginal protesters in Caledonia's ugly land claim standoff were given a golden opportunity to grab some high moral ground, with little or no risk to their long-term goal. They should put pragmatism before rhetoric and call off the occupation (HS A17).

Journalist Bill Curry profiled the historical background to the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. It was noted that ten years ago the Six Nations asked Indian Affairs for an accounting of what happened to 955,000 acres of land they were awarded in Southern Ontario. Despite Mr. Harper and Mr. Prentice’s insistence that the occupation is not about land claims and is a “provincial law-enforcement issue,” leaders of the Six Nations have said the slow pace of land claim resolution is the reason for the occupation. A spokesperson Mr. Prentice insisted that Ottawa has been active on the file (G&M A12).

Thursday, August 10^th: The government of Ontario announced Wednesday that it will challenge Justice David Marshall’s recent order to suspend negotiations between the government and Six Nations occupiers in Caledonia. Ontario Attorney-General Michael Bryant said the government will argue that the Superior Court did not have jurisdiction to order the shutdown of negotiations between Six Nations representatives and the federal and provincial governments. Clyde Powless, a Six Nations spokesperson, indicated that occupiers are taking a wait-and-see approach to Justice Marshall’s ruling. Attorney-General Bryant said Premier Dalton McGuinty discussed the latest developments in the Caledonia dispute on Tuesday night with Prime Minister Harper and federal Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, stating that they are all “of one mind and that is that the best place for the parties to be is at the negotiating table.” In an interview Wednesday with CBC NewsWorld, Mr. Prentice said the federal government also wants negotiations to resume (April Lindgren & Chris Wattie: VSun A6, NP A6; John Burman: HS A3; Chinta Puxley: LFP A1, TSun 4, CBWS 7; Rob Ferguson: TStar A7; CP: CBP B9, RLP A4, KWR A2, WSun 8; No minister mention - A. Lindgren: WStar B1, Gaz A8, Ctz A4; Brodie Fenlon: TSun 4).

Non-Aboriginal Caledonia resident Stacey Hauser told reporters that she was slammed to the ground by an OPP officer during an incident involving disgruntled non-Aboriginal community members and Six Nations occupiers. Ms. Hauser indicated that, during a standoff between the two groups, she took down a Native Unity flag and threw it on the ground. Ms. Hauser said she was tackled by an OPP officer, and was later arrested. She told reporters that her husband Mark was punched in the face by an officer when he tried to come to his wife’s aid. Although she was later released, Ms. Hauser expects to be charged with mischief. Clyde Powless, a Six Nations spokesperson, said that non-Aboriginal residents are trying to get a reaction from Six Nations occupiers, but added that the occupiers are not going to react (Matt Kruchak: HS A3).

Globe & Mail editorial: Ontario Superior Court Justice David Marshall has hit on the fundamental, if inconvenient, truth of the situation in Caledonia: The Rule of Law has been flouted. No doubt, the situation at Caledonia is explosive. But the edifice of Canadian law crumbles when judicial rulings are ignored. Judge Marshall, passionate in defence of the rule of law, has stepped onto a lonely limb. Lonely, but it is a good, strong limb that has stood the test of time (G&M A14).

National Post editorial: In nearly two years as leader of Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives, John Tory has often had difficulty setting himself apart from Premier Dalton McGuinty. But on one issue, at least, Mr. Tory has genuinely distinguished himself, showing that he is capable of providing strong leadership where Premier McGuinty is not. While Mr. McGuinty has dithered for six months, refusing to use the means at his disposal to end the illegal Six Nations occupation of the Douglas Creek Estates housing development, Mr. Tory has taken a hard line and stuck to it. Echoing the orders of Superior Court Justice David Marshall that negotiations with the Six Nations be suspended until the occupation has ended, Mr. Tory has demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law (NP A14).

Toronto Star editorial: Misery seeks company. So in the wake of a court ruling that seemed to turn the Ontario government’s Caledonia policy upside down, Premier Dalton McGuinty called Prime Minister Harper on Tuesday evening. Besides the PM and the Premier, joining in were Indian Affairs Minister Prentice, and “senior officials” from both sides. The result of the phone call was that the Ontario government would appeal the ruling and seek to restart the land-claim negotiations, and the federal government would support the province’s move. Such public support for Ontario’s stand represents a shift for the federal government, which heretofore has attempted to distance itself from the Caledonia mess and to suggest it is a “provincial” matter - even though the Constitution clearly states that Aboriginal issues are a federal concern. The Ontario government is right to appeal Justice Marshall’s ruling, while federal support for the move will provide the provincial government with political cover (TStar A7).

Vancouver Sun editorial: The actions of Six Nations occupiers in Caledonia go far beyond the principles of civil disobedience expounded by Mohandas Gandhi and Henry David Thoreau; they are criminal offences committed without justification. On Tuesday, Ontario Superior Court Justice David Marshall recognized clearly that the rule of law was under attack and ordered that land-claims negotiations between the Six Nations, the province and federal government be suspended until the protest site was cleared. Whether the Six Nations have a legal claim on this land is for the courts to determine. Canada has a highly developed body of civil law under which these claims can be tested. This battle should be fought in a courtroom, not in the streets of Caledonia (VSun A14).

Columnist Claire Hoy: Who speaks for the law-abiding citizens of Caledonia? Certainly not Premier McGuinty. Instead, his plan is to use taxpayers’ money to buy off the occupiers, a morally bankrupt scheme which is absolutely guaranteed to spark more Caledonia copycat protests by Aboriginal groups that now know that when it comes to holding the government to ransom, Premier McGuinty is an easy mark (WStar A6).

Columnist John Ibbitson: Ontario Attorney-General Michael Bryant has decided to appeal the latest contempt-of-court ruling by Justice Marshall that orders the eviction of Six Nations occupiers from the disputed Caledonia lands and an end to all negotiations until the site has been cleared. The Superior Court judge’s ruling is incendiary and dangerous, and we can only hope that it is swiftly overturned at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice has vowed to streamline the land-claims process. If he succeeds, many of the fault lines between Aboriginal People and the rest of Canadian society could gradually be erased (G&M A4).

Friday, August 11^th: Trevor Miller, 31, was arrested by members of the Treaty Three Police Service on Tuesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest by the Haldimand OPP in connection with three violent incidents June 9 at the Six Nations occupation site at Caledonia. Mr. Miller is charged with robbery and assault for allegedly attacking two CH staffers and taking a camera as the news crew attempted to film a group swarming an elderly couple's car outside the disputed Douglas Creek Estates land-claim site. Mr. Miller is also charged with robbery in the theft of the border patrol vehicle after protesters had dragged two OPP officers and an American Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent from the vehicle (John Burman: HS A6; CP: OSun 30, LFP B2; SunWire: TSun 28; NP A9).

Cape Breton Post editorial: Justice Marshall is certain to attract support from a motley crew of right wing ideologues and racists for his controversial ruling this week seeking to end the Six Nations occupation at Caledonia. More moderate Canadians, not liking that company, will be discouraged from acknowledging the considerable merits in Justice Marshall's controversial stand for the principle of the rule of law. Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice has admitted that "resolution is still a long way off" even if an appeal overturns Justice Marshall's instruction to halt negotiations until the occupation ends. Extended defiance of this type of court order is generally regarded as a serious matter in Canada, and is therefore rare. However, due to specific circumstances, Caledonia is not the time or place to conduct a demonstration of the rule of law for the sake of principle. But it is a principle of fundamental importance nevertheless and a judge would not be much of a judge if he did not regard it as such (CBP A8).

Saskatoon StarPhoenix: Whether the Six Nations have a legal claim on this land is for the courts to determine. Canada has a highly developed body of civil law under which these claims can be tested. This battle should be fought in a courtroom, not in the streets of Caledonia. As we have seen in B.C. with protests over highway construction on Eagleridge Bluffs and last year's teachers' illegal strike, being in contempt of court carries consequences. The Eagleridge protest was effectively shut down by police and its leaders jailed. The teachers ended their strike when their union's assets were frozen and penalties began to mount. The consequences for disobeying a court order have not been clearly spelled out for the Six Nations so far (SSP A11, KWS 6).

John Tory, leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, in an open letter to Premier McGuinty: I write you today Premier McGuinty to urge you to use the time provided by the decision to appeal Justice Marshall's recent court ruling to achieve a restoration of the rule of law in Caledonia and to better protect the safety of people on all sides of the dispute. Together with you, I remain committed to a peaceful resolution of this matter but I also have a very genuine concern about respect for the rule of law and the creation of precedents we will later regret. I am happy to discuss this further with you should you wish to do so and to assist in any reasonable way in the achievement of a peaceful resolution and the restoration of civility and respect for the rule of law in every corner of the Caledonia area (NP A12).

Jacob Ziegel, professor emeritus of law at the University of Toronto: Members of the Six Nations involved in the land occupation in Caledonia say they have been litigating against the federal and provincial governments since 1995. Unfortunately, complaints about the slow pace of lawsuits are common, although there are remedies. Even assuming the complaints are well-grounded in this case, how does this justify defiance of Judge Marshall's orders? There is only one basic law in Canada, and it applies to everyone. Whatever the limitations and weaknesses of the rule of law, it is the only glue that holds Canadian society together. If we allow it to be dissolved at will, it can only be a matter of time before we develop that contempt for laws and governments that we have come to associate with conditions in Third World countries. This is an evil to be avoided at all cost (G&M A17).

Columnist Adam Radwanski: Prime Minister Harper's clarity and decisiveness only apply when he does not really have to make any meaningful decisions. The response to the court order this week has boiled down to a debate between Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and provincial opposition leader John Tory. As for the PM, he has been all too happy to let the provincial politicians duke it out. Virtually silent for most of the dispute, Mr. Harper apparently signalled to Premier McGuinty in a telephone conversation Tuesday night that he supports his position; federal Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice said much the same thing publicly on Wednesday. But even so, neither the PM nor Mr. Prentice have enough courage in their convictions to actually join the provincial government in its appeal of Judge Marshall's decision (NP A12).

Saturday, August 12^th: Ontario will begin its legal fight on Aug. 22 to resume land claim negotiations with Aboriginal Peoples in Caledonia. A three-member panel of the Ontario Court of Appeal will hear from lawyers representing the Ministry of the Attorney General. The lawyers will argue for a stay of a decision by Superior Court Justice David Marshall, which ordered all parties to halt talks until Aboriginal protesters end their almost six-month occupation of the Douglas Creek Estates housing development site (KWR A3, G&M A15).

Sunday, August 13^th: Linda McQuaig, a Toronto-based author and commentator: Why will the Aboriginal protester not leave the contested site for development and allow peaceful negotiations to occur? This problem can be fixed, but both sides of the table need to obey laws and show each other good faith by complying with the Judges orders (TStar A16).

Monday, August 14^th: Approximately 50 residents of the Kahnawake Mohawk reserve on the South Shore plan to demonstrate their solidarity this morning with other Mohawks occupying disputed land in Caledonia. According to Stuart Myiow, a spokesperson for the Mohawk Traditional Council, the residents will not block traffic, but will wave signs and distribute brochures to motorists along Highway 138 toward the Mercier Bridge in Montreal (Gaz A7).

Sergeant Cam Woolley pointed out that OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface had been negotiating her new job in Ireland long before the ongoing standoff between Six Nations occupiers, residents and police in Caledonia heated up. Sgt. Woolley said Commissioner Boniface has been unfairly badgered for the force’s handling of problems at Caledonia. Reports indicated that former Toronto police chief Julian Fantino is being considered as a successor to Commissioner Boniface (Ian Robertson: TSun 38).

Kingston Whig-Standard editorial: To suggest that Judge Marshall’s order cannot be enforced because of the possibility of bloodshed is ridiculous. Taken to its extreme, ignoring a court order would mean police would never try to arrest an armed suspect, would never come to the scene of a violent crime. It also presumes the occupiers would necessarily become violent if attempts were made to arrest or remove them were made. That is an unfair stereotype. Untie the hands of police. Let them enforce the court order. Then we can talk, without the threats and posturing of one side hanging over the other (KWS 4).

Columnist Alex Dobrota: There is no hierarchical organization governing the occupiers in Caledonia, who form an amorphous mass that hails from reserves across North America. Decisions are reached by consensus of whoever happens to be on the site that day. To the non-Aboriginal observer this can seem chaotic; to government negotiators, it is downright exasperating (G&M A10).

Columnist Lee Prosaka: It is no surprise that Justice Marshall’s ruling on Douglas Creek Estates has generated intense and heated controversy. It is very difficult to imagine any way that controversy could have been avoided, given the circumstances that continue to exist in Caledonia. At the least, the province’s appeal of Justice Marshall’s order may result in reducing the ambiguities that surround the Caledonia situation and clarifying roles and processes in the case of similar situations in future (HS A14).

Columnist Norman Spector: Happily, aside from the commitment to resolve land claims, the B.C. government is forging a new relationship with Aboriginal Peoples. Yet, we must never become complacent, as news of the standoff at Caledonia filtering toward us from Ontario suggests. Wisely, the Ontario government has decided to appeal Judge Marshall’s Caledonia decision. However, in light of the bitter experience to date, is it not time that governments took such disputes out of the courts and set up specialized administrative tribunals, which would include First Nations as full participants, to deal with these sensitive situations in future? (G&M S1).

Tuesday, August 15^th: Trevor Miller, the 31-year-old Six Nations man arrested in connection with an attack on a CH TV camera crew and theft of a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle in Caledonia, remains in custody after his bail hearing was held over until Thursday. Crown attorney Shane Hickingbottom told the court Monday he plans to argue against Mr. Miller’s release (HS A7, KWR A3).

Columnist Joe Warmington: Hung out to dry. Or should that be left out in the rain? Perhaps both. That is how so many people in the Caledonia dispute feel - the OPP, the Six Nations protesters, the townsfolk. Where is the leadership? It is embarrassing. For the integrity of a civilized life in this great province it has to be sorted out sometime. Is there someone out there who can bring them all in from the rain, dry them off and help bring the sunshine out from the clouds once again? Could that person be former Toronto police chief Julian Fantino? Speculation is rampant that Mr. Fantino could be offered the job to replace outgoing and inept OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface. Premier McGuinty has a big decision to make (TSun 10).

Wednesday, August 16^th: Ontario Conservative leader John Tory argued that Canada needs a way to deal with Aboriginal land claims that does not involve occupations such as the one in Caledonia. Mr. Tory was commenting on a land claim filed by Six Nations Confederacy members for a $275-million wind farm in Melancthon Township, near Shelburne. Mr. Tory said he was pleased that the Six Nations Confederacy chose to serve notice of a land claim instead of occupying the land. He added Aboriginal Canadians need to act within Canadian law (Bob Burtt: KWR A1).

Windsor Star editorial: Experience and history have taught us that unwavering leadership and respect for the rule of law are essential in times of crisis. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has shown neither in his handling of the Caledonia land dispute. Instead, he has chosen to walk around the eggshells that are Six Nations occupiers, allowing the situation to fester and escalate. What kind of message does this convey? If this law can be dismissed, why not others? Why not ignore all judicial rulings we do not like? Premier McGuinty will have a tough time answering those questions in the coming weeks (WStar A8).

Thursday, August 17^th: According to a spokesperson, the Grand River Conservation Authority is not planning on taking any action against a group of Aboriginal people who moved onto a vacant piece of GRCA land on Erie Avenue, in south Brantford, Ont. The group of Aboriginal People moved onto the vacant property and set up a trailer to dispense information on the Haldimand Tract, land claims, and Six Nations (HS A9).

Terrance Nelson, chief of Roseau River First Nation: “Shrill, ugly and lawless,” says the Free Press editorial “Lawless rule” (Aug. 9), describing the situation in Caledonia, where the Mohawks now occupy the land. As the chief of Roseau River, I say, “How does it feel, White Man, to have people who come to what you consider your property, set up their own system, refuse to go home, refuse to recognize your laws and then when you ask them to leave, they tell you that you no longer own the land?” I say, bravo to the Mohawks, it is about time the white man got a taste of his own medicine (WFP A12).

Friday, August 18^th: Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice: I am writing in response to an article published Aug. 17, 2006, (White men get a taste of own medicine) by Chief Terrance Nelson of Roseau River First Nation. Once again, the possibility of railway blockades was raised as a means of settling disputes. Let me state unequivocally that no one should resort to those kinds of threats to accomplish what Chief Nelson wishes to accomplish. I hope we can continue to work together in a manner that respects the laws of Canada and that does not harm third parties. In closing, I have been involved with First Nations issues in general - and claims in particular - for the larger part of my adult life. I intend to meet with chiefs and First Nations when needed to resolve difficult issues in a climate of respect and determination. Some past administrations have raised unreasonable expectations, only to disappoint First Nations over and over again. We intend to set objectives that can be accomplished and show tangible, measurable results as quickly as possible (WFP A15).

Ken Coates, professor of history at the University of Waterloo, and Greg Poelzer, professor of political studies at the University of Saskatchewan: The lingering dispute between the Six Nations band and the non-Aboriginal residents of Caledonia has shown that a different, more comprehensive and faster system for addressing Aboriginal claims and for mediating between the needs and aspirations of Indigenous and other Canadians is urgently required. It is time to recognize that the current model for resolving Aboriginal claims simply does not work (TStar A19).

Saturday, August 19^th: Columnist Lee Prokaska argued that as the Aboriginal standoff in Caledonia nears the six-month mark, it has become increasingly clear that governments are way behind the curve when it comes to Aboriginal land claims. If they are doing something right, those same governments are not showing much inclination to demonstrate that to the public. A vacuum in government leadership at both levels has been an issue from the start of the Caledonia situation. While Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine has urged calm, goodwill and meaningful negotiations, his organization appears not to be taking an active role in the dispute. And there is clearly so much work to be done (HS A23).

Monday, August 21^st: The Ontario government will start its legal fight Tuesday to resume land claim negotiations with Six Nations officials, after negotiations were halted two weeks ago by Superior Court Justice David Marshall. Lawyers from the Ministry of Attorney General will seek a stay of Justice Marshall’s ruling from a three-member panel of the Ontario Court of Appeal. The court proceeding is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at Osgoode Hall in Toronto (Daniel Nolan: HS A5).

The province of Ontario has initiated a 12-week, $210,000 print, television and radio marketing campaign, paid for by the province, to restore Caledonia’s image and bring tourists and shoppers back to the community (Jon Wells: HS A1).

Columnist James Rusk profiled Justice T. David Marshall of the Ontario Superior Court, giving special attention to his role in the Six Nations occupation of Caledonia, while also noting the influence that growing up in Haldimand County has had on him (G&M A9).

Tuesday, August 22^nd: Justice Marshall’s judgement goes before the Ontario Court of Appeal this morning. However, the case has taken an unusual twist as the actual court order arising from Justice Marshall’s original Superior Court judgement, read out in court Aug. 8, does not appear to prohibit negotiations (James Rusk: G&M A8).

Letter writer Edna Smith: The dispute in Caledonia is between the Six Nations and the federal government. So, why is the provincial government taking most of the heat for this situation? Had previous federal governments handled Aboriginal land claims in a more expedient manner, this situation would not have happened. Even worse, the Harper government appears to be taking a secondary role, content to pretend it is the provincial government’s responsibility to resolve the matter (HS A15).

Letter writer Brad Farmer: As if the Caledonia standoff or Ipperwash was not enough, the Aboriginal Canadian hijacking continues. First and foremost, Kahentinetha Horn says Canada has allowed Aboriginal land and resources to be stolen. I am stunned by her audacity. I suppose Ms. Horn could write the cheques, defend the country, pave the roads, grow the food and provide everything else for all Canadians (HS A15).

Letter writer Suzy Myskow: It is small-minded thinking expressed by Canadians like L. Grandmaison in his letter, “Law Must Be Enforced At Caledonia Site,” that is the real source of the conflict at Caledonia, and for that matter Ipperwash, Burnt Church, Oka and so on. Contrary to Mr. Grandmaison’s assertion that the peoples of Six Nations are a bunch of unruly anarchists, those peoples adhere to a specific code of conduct and being that simply happens to be different from Mr. Grandmaison’s (WStar A9).

Wednesday, August 23^rd: Negotiations to settle the Six Nations land dispute in Caledonia will resume almost immediately, the Ontario government said Tuesday, hours after an Ontario Court of Appeal panel said there was no legal basis to stopping the talks (James Rusk: G&M A8; Paul Legall: HS A4; CP: WFP A6; CanWest: WStar C1; Gaz A9).

Dennis Brown, a lawyer representing Attorney General Michael Bryant, told a panel of judges at the Ontario Court of Appeal that the Six Nations occupiers in Caledonia can legally remain on the land. Mr. Brown stated, “It is our view that they are not there unlawfully” (Jessica Leeder: TStar A4).

Catholic school board officials held a meeting at Notre Dame School in Caledonia to discuss with parents the Six Nations occupation of the neighbouring Douglas Creek Estates and its effects on students returning to class in September (Daniel Nolan: HS A4).

Thursday, August 24^th: Negotiations resumed Wednesday between Six Nations representatives and the government of Ontario, following a two-week break in discussions. Both sides discussed their respective versions of the history of the Plank Road agreement of 1841, when a large tract of Six Nations land was transferred to the government for the building of a public road from Hamilton to Port Dover (Paul Legall: HS A3; KWS 9).

Columnist Lee Prokaska: Negotiations are the only possible route to a solution to the Six Nations occupation of land in Caledonia. So it is a positive step the Ontario Court of Appeal has taken in ruling the talks between Six Nations and Ontario government representatives can continue (HS A17).

Saturday, August 26^th: The Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled that the provincial government can allow Six Nations occupiers to remain on the disputed Caledonia housing site. In a decision released Friday, the court dismissed an order by Superior Court Justice David Marshall that the occupation be brought to an end (Antonella Artuso: WSun 15, OSun 13, ESun 26, TSun 2, Ctz A9).

An eight-foot privacy fence and surveillance cameras will be installed at Notre Dame School to further ease parental concerns about their children being next door to a former housing site occupied by Six Nations (TStar A19, HS A8).

David Ramsay, Ontario’s minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, said “everyone agrees that both the federal and provincial government need to find a better way to handle land claims so they do not evolve into an occupation. The government settles three to four claims a year, but carries a backlog of about 65 legitimate claims. We need to find new ways to settle our land claim disputes” (KWR A19).

Alex Neve, secretary general for Amnesty International Canada: Aboriginal land and resource disputes are by no means an uncommon occurrence in Canada. The heated conflict at Caledonia is a clear reminder. Often overlooked, however, is that the disputes are not just about dollars and cents. At stake are essential human rights, protected in the Canadian Constitution and international law (TStar F5).

Monday, August 28^th: Six Nations Occupation

Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory issued a letter to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty asking him to clarify his government’s position on how long occupiers can stay on the disputed Caledonia site without being evicted. A three-judge panel of the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled Friday that occupiers were not in contempt, following the July 5 sale of land from Henco Industries Ltd. to the provincial government. The judges rejected Ontario Superior Court Justice David Marshall’s order that occupiers had to be removed from the site to restore the rule of law in Caledonia. Mr. Tory also requested that the province create a set of conditions, including noise and nighttime activity restrictions, that should be followed as long as the land is occupied (HS A7).

Columnist Laura Thompson: On the surface, everything appears normal in Caledonia. But if you take a closer look, you might see a little boy building a blockade at the end of his driveway. Or notice how back yards resemble battlegrounds. Six months after Aboriginal People moved onto a housing survey near the Grand River, peace has become fragile. The dispute has created a brutal divide between Caledonia and the Six Nations reserve. It has fundamentally changed the way people on both sides look at their own communities and each other (HS A7).

Tuesday, August 29^th: Ontario PC MPP Toby Barrett said during a press conference Monday that organized criminals are behind the land occupation in Caledonia. Mr. Barrett also stated he has personally been threatened because of his involvement in the dispute as MPP of the Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant riding. However, in a statement issued later in the day, Mr. Barrett backed away from his comments. Six Nations spokeswoman Janie Jamieson dismissed Mr. Barrett’s comments, while Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay accused Mr. Barrett of “fear-mongering” and jeopardizing the town’s fragile peace (April Lindgren: EJ A9, WStar C1, Gaz A12; Antonella Artuso: TSun 10, OSun 10; CP: VProv A8, LFP B4; NP A10, Ctz A5, KWR A3).

After backing away from his earlier comments, Mr. Barrett said local residents have told him questionable things have been going on around town since the occupation began. Mr. Barrett said there have been sightings of the Hells Angels in Caledonia (Daniel Nolan: HS A4).

Ottawa Citizen editorial: The reprieve an appeal court gave the Ontario government over the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia is only partly a blessing. It is also a challenge to Premier Dalton McGuinty to decide how much Aboriginal resistance he is prepared to ask Ontarians to accept. Civil disobedience can not be allowed to cross the line into political violence, and certainly not to shape public policy for a government afraid to stand up for what is right. Mr. McGuinty needs to know where his government's limit is, and to act decisively when that limit has been reached (Ctz B4).

John Tory, Ontario PC Leader: Monday marked the six-month anniversary of the stand-off in Caledonia. And whatever the merits of the competing claims, it has become increasingly threatening to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike. By showing some leadership and insisting on minimum standards of behaviour as a precondition to negotiations, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty would only be inciting people to do what is right. Mr. McGuinty should encourage everyone to uphold and promote respect for our laws and the cherished processes we have in place to deal with them (NP A16).

Wednesday, August 30^th: Six Nations occupiers are appealing for food and lumber donations to finish about a dozen homes on the disputed Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia so they can be used during the winter months. The appeal outraged Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer, who said work on the homes would violate the Ontario Building Code, but Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson said title has not been settled. Meanwhile, provincial negotiator Jane Stewart and her team from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs is knocking on doors of Caledonia residents seeking input on the impact of the occupation (Daniel Nolan: HS A7; Chinta Puxley: TSun 23, KWS 15; CP: HDN 9, CG A5, WFP A3; HCH A6, LFP A7, WSun 20; WStar B1, NBTJ A7).

According to information obtained through Freedom of Information requests filed by the Hamilton Spectator, Jane Stewart, the Ontario government’s lead negotiator in the Caledonia land claim dispute, receives $1,300 a day, and has a $30,000 available for expenses. Hazel Hill, a Six Nations spokesperson, criticized the way money flows so freely from government coffers for non-Aboriginal people (Marissa Nelson: HS A1).

Columnist Kevin Cavanagh: MPP Toby Barrett’s comment about the Caledonia situation looks like a poor attempt to gain political advantage from public anger. Given the tension and volatility of Caledonia these days, it is shameful for anyone, especially politicians, to walk around lighting cheap matches (HS A17).

Thursday, August 31^st: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday it is “not acceptable” for Six Nations occupiers on Douglas Creek Estates to complete the homes whose construction they disrupted, then stay in them for the winter. Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer said she would ask Mr. McGuinty’s office to keep the occupiers from finishing the houses without securing proper permits and letting building inspectors view the site. Six Nations spokeswomen Janie Jamieson and Hazel Hill said the occupiers at the site have discussed resuming construction for some time, and some are already using the partially built homes for shelter. Meanwhile, federal negotiator Jane Stewart said Wednesday night in regard to her salary she did not know how many days she has worked on the Caledonia file since she began it, but said the salary rate came from the Ontario government (Kelly Patrick: NP A1, Ctz A4; CN: WStar A6; CP: HCH A4, LFP A9; G&M A7).

Three people were injured in a fire last night in an unfinished home on the Douglas Creek Estates site. Six Nations Fire Chief Michael Seth said the injured were people on the site who suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital (Marissa Nelson and Daniel Nolan: HS A1; CP: TSun 31; TStar A12).

Some two dozen clergy and Aboriginal representatives took part in an Interfaith Healing Gathering in an attempt to bring the disputing sides together Wednesday (Sharon Boase: HS A3).

Columnist Christina Blizzard: The ongoing protest mocks the entire provincial land registry system. Can you be sure you own the land you thought you had title to if the courts refuse to uphold court orders? Mr. McGuinty’s handlers are trying to paint him as “Mr. Ontario” and “Mr. Personality.” Sometimes, though, the way you judge a person’s character is by how they stand up to bullies. On Caledonia, we are talking McChicken (OSun 13, TSun 21).

Columnist Paul McKeever: Premier Dalton McGuinty’s decision to refrain from direct involvement in the Caledonia standoff offers a glaring opportunity to challenge his leadership, but PC leader John Tory is not doing so. The only way for the PCs now to distinguish themselves from the Liberals is by demonstrating that Mr. Tory’s leadership is somehow better than Mr. McGuinty’s. That effort will fail so long as the party’s strategy requires Mr. Tory to tow Mr. McGuinty’s line in response to crises like that at Caledonia (TStar A21).

Mainstream Media July 2006

July, 2006

Monday, July 3^rd: Canada Day celebrations in Caledonia went smoothly over the long weekend, despite fears of a possible confrontation. A heavier provincial police presence was planned in anticipation of a possible repeat of the violent Victoria Day weekend clashes between aboriginal protesters and Caledonia residents at the now dismantled barricade (HS A4).

Tuesday, July 4^th: Aboriginal artists and musicians raised more than $22,000 to support the Caledonia occupation through a concert last month (HS A5).

Columnist Claire Hoy: By using millions of taxpayer dollars to buy the disputed property in Caledonia, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay, et al, may have temporarily eased the tensions in the dispute sparked by the Six Nations blockade of the main highway through the town. Mr. McGuinty has also set the stage for a dangerous precedent by trying to buy off disgruntled Natives rather than abiding by the established rules of law and order to settle a dispute. This is a situation which would definitely not occur if any other group in society were flouting the law in such a public way (WStar A6).

Lorrie Goldstein, in a tongue-in-cheek column on gun control, wrote that in arguments in support of gun control Mr. McGuinty asserts the vital importance of setting an example by maintaining law and order in society – except in Caledonia (TSun 17).

Wednesday, July 5^th: The Ontario government has finalized a deal to buy the disputed land in Caledonia. The announcement is expected today during the third appearance of involved parties in the courtroom of Justice T. David Marshall of the Ontario Superior Court. With the purchase, it is expected that Mr. Marshall will be told that the original injunction filed on behalf of the original owners has lapsed. As well, with trains now running down a previously blocked line, that injunction is in abeyance. A contempt-of-court order against the occupiers is the only remaining item to be enforced and it is unlikely the judge will order the police to do so. It was suggested that the occupation could end if the Aboriginal occupiers decided that it would further a resolution to continue negotiations among Ottawa, Queen's Park and the Aboriginal community aimed at settling basic issues. But, one source said that would not be an easy decision, as the continuing occupation is now seen as a way of pressing government (James Rusk: G&M A11).

Thursday, July 6^th: Henco Industries Ltd. has agreed to sell the Douglas Creek Estates property to the province for $12.3 million. The property will be held in trust by the province while negotiations continue to settle the dispute (CP: WStar A10, VSun A8, VTC A5, TSun 44, OSun 8, KWR A1).

Justice T. David Marshall of the Ontario Superior Court said that the continued occupation by Six Nations residents means the rule of law has not been restored in Caledonia. The judge ordered parties to return to court on July 24. The judge reserved his ruling on a request that an injunction against the occupiers be dissolved (James Rusk: G&M A8; Paul Legall: HS A4).

Lawyer Ed McCarthy, speaking on behalf of the Haldimand Law Association, urged Justice Marshall to take “serious steps” to end the occupation. Mr. McCarthy said that occupiers’ activities have had “serious effects” on non-Aboriginal residents in the neighbouring area. Mr. Marshall made clear that his earlier contempt-of-court ruling still stands. Charlotte Bell, a lawyer for the federal attorney general, told Justice Marshall that negotiations are going well (Jessica Leeder: TStar A8).

Saturday, July 8^th: A petition demanding that the head of the Ontario Provincial Police be immediately fired for her handling of a sometimes-violent ongoing land-claim dispute in Caledonia has begun circulating on the Internet. The allegations against OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface stem from a five-month Aboriginal protest over a disputed parcel of land that was under development on the edge of Caledonia, a town of about 10,000 south of Hamilton (Jessica Leeder: TStar A19).

Kitchener-Waterloo Record editorial: The protesters who still occupy the property in Caledonia do not believe that they need courts or peaceful negotiations to get what they want. They are willing to ignore the laws of Ontario, laws which many of them say do not apply to the Six Nations. They are ready to arbitrarily apply rules of their own and enforce those rules with violence. In doing this, they have shown their contempt for the laws of Ontario and for the democratically elected government that makes those laws and is given the sacred trust of upholding the rule of law (KWR A16).

William Morin, First Peoples National Party of Canada: The history of Aboriginal Canadians is one of continued ignorance of our history by the general public, and the systemic bias and exclusion of Aboriginal Peoples from decisions that affect us. Like the women and children who prepared to leave the “war zone” of the Mohawk communities near Montreal on July 11, 1990, Caledonia echoes again the historical ignorance of the issues. All Aboriginal people continue to live in a war zone daily if the ignorance continues (WStar A9).

Monday, July 10^th: A petition demanding that OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface be fired for her handling of the ongoing land-claim dispute in Caledonia has begun circulating on the Internet (CP: WStar B1).

Members of the OPP professional standards bureau are looking into the conduct of police officers outside the barricades at the occupation site in Caledonia (John Burman: KWR A2).

Tuesday, July 11^th: Members of the OPP professional standards bureau have been looking into the conduct of police officers outside the barricades at the Six Nations occupied Douglas Creek Estates. Officers with the bureau have contacted people they believe have information about several violent incidents in which witnesses complained OPP officers stood by and did nothing. OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface told reporters that she is proud of her force, and defended it against accusations police have treated Native occupiers differently throughout the sometimes violent standoff. A police bureau spokesperson told reporters that the bureau would not comment on its investigation (John Burman: HS A2; Richard Brennan & Jessica Leeder: TStar A4).

The Kingston Whig-Standard printed an editorial previously published in the Belleville Intelligencer: “It is no secret OPP officers, among themselves, now refer to Caledonia as "Cashedonia" for the easy and lucrative overtime they can compile. How long is the province prepared to let the police overtime meter run and the patience of the courts and nearby residents run out?” (KWS 4).

Wednesday, July 12^th: The front barricade at Douglas Creek Estates is down and the province has confirmed it has an agreement with the builders who had a stake in the subdivision. Spokesperson for the Six Nations occupiers, Janie Jamieson, said anyone who “comes in peace” can enter the site. She said taking the barricade down makes entering the site more convenient for the occupiers and serves as a sign to town residents that there is no reason to feel intimidated. Ken Hewitt, spokesperson for the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, said the move does nothing to ease tensions in the town (Marissa Nelson: HS A5; CP: LFP B2, OSun 16).

Thursday, July 13^th: The province has increased its help for business owners in Caledonia to include wages and they have added an extra month of assistance. Ken Hewitt, a member of the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, said he was told of the additional aid during a meeting with three provincial ministers (Marissa Nelson: HS A4).

Friday, July 14^th: About 150 people attended a meeting to discuss joining a class-action lawsuit against the County of Haldimand, OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface and Haldimand OPP detachment commander Brian Haggith for not stopping occupiers from blocking Argyle Street and the Highway 6 Bypass. The province has also been notified it will be named in the suit. The lawsuit alleges the county, OPP officials and the province broke laws by allowing the blockade and allowing damage to be done to a power transformer as well as failing to uphold court injunction (Daniel Nolan: HS A8).

The occupiers have put up a buffer zone between themselves and a string of houses in a neighbouring subdivision in an effort to ease tensions with Caledonia residents. Spokesperson Hazel Hill emphasized, “We're here in peace” (Daniel Nolan: HS A8).

Saturday, July 15^th: Kitchener-Waterloo Record Editorial: If governments can come up with $12.3 million for 600 plots of land in just 130 days for land claimed by non-Aboriginal people, imagine the full value of the Six Nations claim, where over 1,000 such thefts occurred from Lake Erie up to Elora, the true fair value is in the billions and these “reparations” must be paid. If First Nations citizens cannot get justice from the very governments who have a fiduciary obligation to protect them, then where can they go and what should they do? Caledonia is but one answer (KWR A18).

Tuesday, July 18^th: The Ontario Provincial Police Association is trying to shut down a controversial website featuring poster-style photos of individual officers depicted as, “Wanted for not doing their jobs” in Caledonia. Website owner Gary McHale told The Spectator on Monday that the posters are intended as a comment on the OPP handling of the Douglas Creek Estates land claim, and were meant to “get their attention.” According to Mr. McHale, there has been “a complete failure of the OPP to enforce the Criminal Code.” Megan Shortreed, legal counsel for the OPPA, advised website provider “Bluehost” on July 10 that it could be a defendant in a lawsuit for defamation if it did not provide the name of the website owner. In a telephone interview, Mr. McHale stated that Bluehost, “is satisfied that I can be reached and they have not shut me down or given my name.” Ms. Shortreed acknowledged Monday that Mr. McHale’s website is still in operation. Ms. Shortreed said that the OPPA would take “other measures” to deal with the site, but would not say what. Ms. Shortreed pointed out that, “This is a civil matter,” adding she could not discuss details of the OPPA’s concerns (John Burman: HS A5).

Wednesday, July 19^th: Columnist Lee Prokaska: It has been clear for several months that many non-Native Caledonia residents are angry about the perceived inaction of the OPP in the occupation of Douglas Creek Estates. Public criticism of a police force is justified, as is public criticism of decisions, orders or opinions of a police commissioner or chief. However, it is not fair to shine a public spotlight on individual officers who likely have no input into the decision-making process, as Gary McHale has done. The OPPA has a duty to advocate for and protect its members and is justified in its concern about his website posters. The issue that offends the OPPA most can be handled without closing down the website. Certainly, the OPPA should work for its members to get the offending “wanted” posters removed from the website because they are unfair. But trying to close down the whole website because it is controversial is as unfair as the posters themselves (HS A17).

Thursday, July 20^th: The OPP are seeking two men charged in last month’s attack on a Hamilton cameraman at the site of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. Frank Burning and Ron Gibson are charged with the assault of Nick Garbutt, a cameraman from CH-TV in Hamilton. Mr. Gibson is also charged with robbery after a camera and tripod were allegedly stolen from another member of a television crew (Marissa Nelson: HS A5; CP: G&M A8).

Friday, July 21^st: Kingston Whig-Standard editorial: Does OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface think we are all stupid? Ms. Boniface told the Toronto Star recently that Native occupiers who blocked a highway in Caledonia for several weeks, delayed a development and even dug up sections of pavement, were not treated differently because they were Native. If that is true, then the next time a group of citizens is involved in a land dispute, it may block a highway for weeks, even dig up parts of it, to express displeasure, and the OPP will take no action. Sure. There is nothing wrong with the Commissioner saying that the force’s priority was to avoid bloodshed, but let her stand on the merits of that decision. Do not insult us by suggesting special treatment was not applied (KWS 6).

Monday, July 24^th: Six Nations protesters blocked the construction of a high-voltage power line necessary to deliver imported power to southern Ontario in the event of a shortage. The line was to be completed this month, but the occupiers are claiming it passes through disputed land. Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer said she is concerned that without this line to bring imported power there will be shortages of electricity (Richard Brennan: TStar A16).

Organizers of the Grand River Pow-wow tried to keep the event non-political, although the occupation in Caledonia was on the minds of many attendees. Organizers said they did not expect incidents related to the dispute (Paul Choi: HS A6).

Susan Clairmont: A local OPP officer said he is ashamed of the two-tier justice system that has cops treating Aboriginal people differently from non-Aboriginal people. He said the people of Caledonia should feel let down by the OPP. The officer said residents of the area have lost respect for the OPP. He said that when the protests finally stop it will be the local cops who set about the task of rebuilding the cultural bridges that have been torn apart (HS A2).

Tuesday, July 25^th: Ontario Superior Court Justice David Marshall listened to legal arguments Monday after again demanding to know why his orders to have First Nations occupiers removed from the Douglas Creek Estates have been “blatantly disregarded.” Lawyers representing Six Nations, the government of Ontario, and others, told Justice Marshall on Monday that pursuing criminal contempt charges for not enforcing the court order would undermine negotiations to end the dispute and disrupt a fragile peace. Lawyers for the Ministry of the Attorney General argued Justice Marshall’s orders have been carried out, noting police have laid 53 charges against 28 people. However, Justice Marshall argued that his orders have been ignored and the integrity of the court and rule of law are under attack (CP: EJ B6, WStar B7, G&M A9, RLP A8, KWS 10, LFP B4, TSun 23, OSun 10, KWR A3; Chinta Puxley: WFP A7, HCH A8).

Lawyer Ed McCarthy, speaking as a representative of the Haldimand Law Association, told Justice David Marshall in Ontario Superior Court on Monday that he needed to take matters into his own hands to ensure an end to the occupation (Paul Legall: HS A3).

In response to continued Six Nations blockage of the construction of a new high-voltage power line, Terry Young, a spokesperson for the organization that regulates the flow of power through the grid, argued the new transmission capacity is crucial to meeting Ontario’s long-range needs (Allison Hanes: NP A4).

Ottawa police have been asked to investigate the actions of OPP officers after a television crew was assaulted during the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia last month. At the request of OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface, Ottawa police agreed on Monday to take over the investigation which will focus on how police reacted to a June 9 attack on two CHCH-TV cameramen (Tobi Cohen: OSun 10).

Wednesday, July 26^th: Beverly Jacobs, president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada and a Six Nations negotiator at Caledonia, was one of five First Nations leaders who met with Premiers at the annual Council of Federation meeting on Tuesday. Following the Premiers’ meeting, Ms. Jacobs said that Aboriginal youth are impatient with the pace of change, and unless governments are seen to be making progress on important issues such as the Kelowna Accord to end First Nations poverty, we can expect to see more Caledonia-style conflict in the future (Antonella Artuso: TSun 36).

OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface announced this week that Ottawa police would investigate the actions of provincial police officers during an assault on two TV camera operators at the Six Nations occupation site in Caledonia (Ctz B3).

Globe & Mail editorial: With estimable persistence, despite the discouraging words of virtually every party to the Caledonia dispute, Ontario Superior Court Justice David Marshall has continued his quest to know why contempt-of-court charges have not been enforced. Judge Marshall deserves credit for raising inconvenient and principled questions that affect everyone (G&M A16).

Thursday, July 27^th: Residents in Caledonia criticized Ontario’s community safety minister, Monte Kwinter, after he claimed that the Six Nation occupation is a “symbolic” one. Mr. Kwinter said the province is seeking a “long-term resolution” to the dispute (CP: Chinta Puxley: WStar B1, OSun 19, TSun 18, KWS 12, KWR A3).

Ken Hewitt, president of the Caledonia Citizens Coalition, commented: “(Mr. Kwinter) has absolutely no idea what's going on down here. ... I recommend he come visit Caledonia for himself before he makes such a ridiculous statement” (Paul Morse: HS A7).

London Free Press editorial: Would Caledonia residents be granted the leniency accorded to the occupiers if the roles were reversed? We ignore the principles of justice at our peril (LFP A10).

Saturday, July 29^th: Negotiators trying to find a resolution to the Caledonia dispute believe they have made progress with the creation of “side tables” to deal with specific issues. The negotiations were set up in May shortly after a failed OPP raid on the Douglas Creek Estates and involve federal representative Barbara McDougall, provincial representative Jane Stewart, and chiefs from the Six Nations Confederacy. They announced Friday they have split four issues away from the main negotiations. They hope this will allow them to better manage these issues and move forward to a consensus (HS A5).

Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Gwen Boniface, who has been under the spotlight for her handling of the ongoing Aboriginal standoff in Caledonia, Ont., is leaving for a position in Ireland. Ms. Boniface will continue as OPP commissioner until early October to ensure a smooth transition (EJ A5).

Mainstream Media June 2006

June, 2006

Thursday, June 1^st: Justice T. David Marshall will hear today from federal and provincial officials why injunctions to remove the Six Nations occupiers in Caledonia have not been acted upon. Sources close to the negotiations said if the hearing is confrontational, it could fracture the agreement that resulted in the removal of one of the barriers erected in Caledonia (James Rusk: G&M A15).

Six Nations residents set up an information picket at the Brantford Casino, claiming the site as part of their unceded land. Organizers said the action was to show people that the current occupation is about more than a single parcel of land. Hazel Hill, one of the Six Nations spokespeople claimed mediator David Peterson is trying to renege on the deal that brought down one of the barricades. She said the agreement was that one barricade would open and Six Nations would get a moratorium on development on the land, an archeological survey of the land, the lands from the former Burtch correctional facility and meetings to discuss changes to Ontario's curriculum. Mr. Peterson countered that the offer was in exchange for all the barricades being removed. The hearing by Justice Marshall was noted. It was added that the Six Nations band council will send a single representative to the court, while the occupiers plan not to, as they do not recognize the authority of the court. It was further noted that Justice Marshall could charge people with contempt of court if he is displeased with their responses to his inquiry (Marissa Nelson: HS A4; CP: RLP A2).

Christina Blizzard’s column on Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Caledonia stand-off was repeated (LFP A13).

Friday, June 2^nd: Justice T. David Marshall heard from lawyers representing several parties involved in the stand-off in Caledonia on the reasons his injunctions have not been acted upon. Judge Marshall said he called the hearing because “the rule of law has been suspended, to some degree.” Edward McCarthy, a lawyer representing the Haldimand Law Association said the Aboriginal protests “almost seem” to fall under the government's definition of a terrorist act. He then compared negotiations to the failed policy of allowing Hitler to expand Nazi Germany by just a little to avert a war. Mr. McCarthy called for the occupation to end by force if necessary. Denise Dwyer, a lawyer representing the OPP criticized the comments and called them “fighting words.” Darrell Doxtdator, senior political advisor to the Chief of the Six Nations Council angrily responded to Mr. McCarthy. Mr. Doxtdator also directed scorn at the media. Owen Young, a lawyer for the Attorney-General of Ontario, suggested the court orders should not be acted upon while negotiations appear to be making progress. Frustration was directed toward Minister of Indian Affairs Jim Prentice. Judge Marshall ordered all parties to return to his court on June 16. An “invitation” was issued for Mr. Prentice and the federal government to attend. It was noted that Ontario Conservative justice critic Bob Runciman commented on the Six Nations information picket outside the Brantford Casino. He said that the current occupation began the same way (Adrian Humphreys: NP A1, EJ B13, RLP F7).

Judge Marshall adjourned the hearing to give the federal government two weeks to decide if it will appear on June 16. Mr. Prentice said that the federal government “will co-operate fully with the courts.” It was noted that Michael Bruder, the lawyer for Henco, said that the adjournment gives the province a chance to make his clients an offer for the occupied property. They say it would have generated $45 million in lot sales. He said if no offer is made, Henco may apply to Judge Marshall to have an order issued to enforce the injunction (James Rusk: G&M A1; Jessica Leeder: KWR A3).

Judge Marshall said the occupation had caused damage to the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and the rule of law would have to be restored. He said that if other efforts fail, he would consider ordering the OPP to remove the protesters (Paul Legall: HS A1).

Judge Marshall asserted that he called in representatives of the parties involved in the Caledonia stand-off in an attempt to restore the rule of law in the county (CP: CG B5, LFP A9).

Denise Dwyer, a lawyer representing the OPP, told the court the force fulfilled the injunction when they moved on the protesters two months ago. He added that another injunction would only threaten public and officer safety (CP: WStar A11)

Christina Blizzard editorial: This province is supposed to be governed by the rule of law. If you give in to lawlessness in one place, it just emboldens others to break the law somewhere else (TSun 24).

Saturday, June 3^rd: Ontario Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay said the province has done all it can to solve the problem in Caledonia and now it has come time for Ottawa to step in. The call for Ottawa to offer solutions comes the day after Superior Court Justice David Marshall summoned federal representatives to his court (Marissa Nelson: HS A3).

The OPP launched numerous criminal investigations relating to the occupation of Douglas Creek Estates, including activities on an adjacent hydro right of way and the blockade of a rail line (Paul Legall: HS A11).

National Post editorial: The government of Ontario has backed itself into a corner where about all it can say is, “We will not be so tolerant of the next illegal protest, the next bridge burning or highway blockade.” That is not the kind of threat that can be taken seriously. From the start, we have expressed some sympathy for the general grievances of the Six Nations protesters, but we have no sympathy for lawlessness (NP A20).

Letter writer Janet Fraser: The community of Caledonia should come together in peace and build a commemoration park on the site of the disputed land so that both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people can enjoy the land together in peace and harmony (HS A23).

Letter writer John Miller: Why has the federal government seemed to ignored decades of land claims disputes and allowed events like Caledonia to happen? (TStar F6).

Sunday, June 4^th: Columnist Lorrie Goldstein wrote a satirical story which related the dispute in Caledonia to recent legislation making public places in Ontario “smoke free” (TSun C2).

Monday, June 5^th: Six Nations occupiers in Caledonia have erected a new barricade after an OPP officer entered an area that had been declared off-limits. The barricade attracted hundreds of angry non-Aboriginal people from the community. The new barricade is on Sixth Line, although there were reports that the former barricade on Argyle Street was re-erected. The recent court hearing by Judge T. David Marshall was noted as was Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice’s assertion that the federal government “will co-operate fully with the courts” (Jeff Gray: G&M A9; Nicolaas van Rijn: TStar A2; No Prentice mention: Ctz A10; CP: TSun 29, VSun A3, VProv A20).

Argyle Street in Caledonia was again blockaded by a human barricade following the police incursion onto a street they agreed not to enter. There were unconfirmed reports of fires after the melee that ensued. It was also reported that Argyle Street was eventually re-opened (Dana Borcea: HS A3).

Ontario’s Opposition Leader John Tory says the government's handling of the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia should be investigated by a commission with powers under the Public Inquiries Act. Mr. Tory said the commission would be asked to find ways of preventing similar chaotic and “ugly confrontations” when dealing with future land claim disputes in the province. He added that while the federal and Ontario governments should share responsibility for the poor progress made in Aboriginal land claims the root of the problem is Premier Dalton McGuinty's “complete lack of leadership” (CP: Keith Leslie: HS A5, WStar B7, Gaz A10, HDN 12, KWR D11).

Tuesday, June 6^th: An article on the heightened tensions in Caledonia noted Judge T. David Marshall’s call for representatives of the federal attorney general and Indian affairs minister to appear before him (HCH A3).

A Conservative party motion calling for an inquiry into the Liberal government's handling of the Caledonia standoff passed in the Ontario legislature. The motion is not binding, but may prove embarrassing for the Ontario government. Attorney General Michael Bryant said the government will not hold a public inquiry because it would interfere with legal proceedings and negotiations. A spokesperson for Mr. McGuinty defended the government's handling of the land dispute and said it is trying to resolve the matter “peacefully” (Daniel Nolan: HS A2; CanWest: WStar C1, Gaz A12; Karen Howlett: G&M A12; Rob Ferguson: TStar A20; Antonella Artuso: TSun 27; CP: LFP B4, KWR A1).

An email called on Caledonia residents to gather at the Haldimand County Caledonia Centre to restrict access to a lacrosse game staged by the Six Nations Minor Lacrosse Association. It was noted that, during the confrontation that occurred after a police cruiser crossed onto occupied land, a car belonging to Sheprott K-9 Security was set on fire, as was a barn (Nolan: HS A2).

Two officers were driven off of the occupied land after they took an “inadvertent wrong turn” (Katie Rook: NP A7; Artuso: TSun 27).

Wednesday, June 7^th: Members of the Halifax Coalition Against Poverty tried to hand a letter to the local branch of the federal office of Indian and Northern Affairs to support residents of the Six Nations in the land occupation. Ms. Belinda Smith, director of the office, did not accept the letter, and instead passed on contact information for Mr. Prentice (Emily Bowers: HDN 5).

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty rejected the Legislature's call for a public inquiry into his handling of the Caledonia crisis. He said the Conservatives had not learned since they mis-handled the occupation at Ipperwash that left one man, Dudley George, dead. Tory leader John Tory accused Mr. McGuinty of “pre-judging” the outcome of the Ipperwash inquiry. During Question Period, Mr. McGuinty’s comment that the occupation in Caledonia has been “largely without incident” drew howls of protest from the opposition (Rob Ferguson: TStar A21; CP: WStar A10, KWS 11, KWR A3, MTT C4; Karen Howlett: G&M A14; Antonella Artuso: TSun 10).

Columnist Lee Prokaska: To suggest that a public inquiry be launched before the standoff is resolved is simply silly. All the players in the explosive Caledonia situation are frustrated enough, without this cheap political hay- making. What we need are thoughtful ideas and constructive input, not the immature antics we are getting from the Tories (HS A17).

Thursday, June 8^th: OPP officers assigned to the standoff in Caledonia said their superiors have put public image ahead of officer safety and law and order. Karl Walsh, president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, said that officers say they are being sent out without proper back-up and are left wondering if commanding officers and the courts will back them up when they try to enforce the law. They have also been told not to wear riot gear or tactical uniforms. Mr. Walsh will bring the concerns to a meeting of the Canadian Professional Police Officers Association. He hopes the association will put pressure on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to step in and deal with the land occupation. He disputed claims by Mr. Harper that the matter is one for provincial law enforcement (Susan Clairmont: HS A1, TStar A4).

One hundred First Nations chiefs from across Ontario arrived at the occupation site and pledged their support to the occupiers and warned governments to expect more occupations if Aboriginal land claims are not settled. Six Nations spokesperson Clyde Powless commented that the show of support was about more than Caledonia. Six Nations Confederacy Chief Allen McNaughton said he is still hopeful the Caledonia impasse could be resolved. It was noted that talks between negotiators for the Six Nations and the provincial and federal governments are expected to resume today. Mr. McNaughton asserted that there has been a setback in negotiations because the province “reneged” on some of its promises (HS A5, WFP A9; CP: TSun 16, LFP A7, EJ A5, KWR A5).

Former Conservative premier Mike Harris threatened to sue Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty for his comment on the opposition’s criticism of the province’s response to the Six Nations occupation: “The Conservatives prefer that we direct the police and that we send them out on some kind of police action.” A spokesperson asserted that it is a fact that a current Conservative MPP has said the government should give direction to the OPP (April Lindgren: Ctz A6, NP A8; CP: HS A11, LFP A12; Antonella Artuso: TSun 16).

The Six Nations Minor Lacrosse Association pulled its game from the Caledonia arena after an email was sent urging people to block access (Daniel Nolan: HS A6).

Letter writer Wade Hemsworth: Today marks 100 days since the beginning of the occupation in Caledonia. The feds know that whatever they do in Caledonia will have repercussions not only up and down the entire Haldimand Tract on the banks of the Grand, but also for all of the land claims across Canada. Only the perspective of history will be able to tell us whether these first 100 days represent helpless dithering or wise forebearance by the federal, provincial and local governments, but the longer it goes, the worse it looks. And Caledonia is not yet history (HS A4).

Friday, June 9^th: In a letter to a constituent, cabinet minister Diane Finley has expressed support for a police removal of the Six Nations occupiers and return Caledonia to “normalcy.” Tom Bernard, a member of the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, said he is surprised by the comments and asserted: “That’s not the solution. It’s past that now.” The comment came as residents of Caledonia launched a campaign to embarrass Ms. Finley into action. Ms. Finley has been accused of being absent from dealings with the standoff, although she has insisted she is in daily communication with Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice. Mr. Bernard said that what is needed is visible leadership, not just action behind the scenes. It was noted that the state-of-emergency for Caledonia has been lifted (Daniel Nolan: HS A9).

Caledonia residents expressed sympathy for the OPP after complaints were made about officers feeling unsafe and beholden to political “optics.” Ken Hewitt, a spokesperson for the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, said police morale has suffered because they are not allowed to do their job. Mr. Hewitt said his biggest fear is that somebody will create a confrontation the police will not be able to control (Paul Legall: HS A9).

Ontario Conservative leader John Tory believes the majority of people on both sides of the stand-off in Caledonia want to return to living together peacefully. Mr. Tory also said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty should be more respectful of the legislature’s vote for a public inquiry on the matter (Philip Jalsevac: KWR A4).

Kitchener-Waterloo Record editorial: When will Mr. McGuinty admit the disconnect between what is going on in Caledonia and what he says is going on? And when will he take more effective action to settle it before something even worse happens? (KWR A14).

Columnist Lee Prokaska: It is disturbing that OPP officers on duty in Caledonia do not feel safe. Officers have told their union they are not sure they would have the backing of commanding officers and the courts when they try to uphold the law. That surely leaves the rest of us wondering if the OPP can handle these types of protests in future. Front-line concerns must not be ignored for the sake of optics and politics (HS A17).

Saturday, June 10^th: Two cameramen were injured and an elderly man was taken to hospital after a scuffle with Six Nations protesters in Caledonia. Local residents said that the Ontario Provincial Police did nothing to stop the violence. Reports indicate an elderly couple was surrounded by protesters on private property bordering the site and the couple’s car was taken. When CH cameramen Ken MacKay and Nick Garbutt began to film the incident, they were swarmed and assaulted (Katie Rook: NP A20).

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty condemned the violence. Residents angered by the events confronted and taunted OPP officers. The police presence increased and officers in riot gear emerged blocked the road. One resident was arrested (Deirdre Healey: HS A1; TStar A1; Patrick Maloney: LFP B6).

Caledonia residents and the Six Nations occupiers hurled racial slurs at each other over a schoolyard fence. The townspeople accused the OPP of being one-sided (TSun 5).

Sunday, June 11^th: Ontario Provincial Police investigators are seeking seven First Nations suspects after a day and night of confrontation at the contested site of a housing development in Caledonia. OPP Deputy Commissioner Maurice Pilon said the incidents, which included attacks on an elderly couple who paused while driving by the site, and against camera operators working for a Hamilton TV station, are being investigated, and stressed charges will be laid (Kevin McGran: TStar A2).

Additional Six Nations suspects are expected to faces charges from robbery to attempted murder. The charges stem from an incident when angry protesters surrounded a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle and dragged out its three occupants before taking over the vehicle (Natalie Pona: TSun 4; WFP A9).

Monday, June 12^th: A statement from Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice and Ontario Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay called on Six Nations occupiers to tear down their blockade after recent violent incidents occurred at the site. Mr. Ramsay claimed the barricades lead to “lawlessness” and are “distracting.” Six Nations leaders have condemned the incidents that have resulted in the arrest of four men and one woman while two other suspects are wanted (Hayley Mick: G&M A11).

The statement from Mr. Prentice and Mr. Ramsay was noted in coverage of the arrest warrants issued against those involved in the weekend altercation (CP: CBP A12, LFP A6, KWR A1).

Ontario’s Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter defended the OPP’s strategy in the Caledonia standoff. He said an aggressive OPP intervention would make the situation much worse. Janie Jamieson, a spokesperson for the occupiers, said the people involved in the recent incidents did not have authority to leave the barricades. Ken Hewitt, spokesperson for the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, said a double standard exists in how the police have upheld the law. Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay said the OPP are doing their best (Laura Thompson: HS A7).

One Six Nations man is wanted on attempted murder charges after a stolen vehicle was deliberately driven toward an OPP officer. Five additional people are wanted on charges which include robbery and assault (Katie Rook: NP A6, EJ A6, WStar B1, Gaz A10, VSun A4, KWS 11, RLP A5, SSP A7; Kevin McGran: TStar A12; Steve Buist: HS A1; CP: HCH A7, CH A6, CSun 22, CBWS 5; Michele Henry: TSun 6; VTC A8).

Six Nations spokesperson Hazel Hill said the occupiers regret the incident in which two cameramen were injured. However, it was noted that photographs show it is not true that the OPP did not intervene in the matter. Ms. Hill also said the confrontation with an elderly couple began when they struck one of the occupiers with their vehicle (Paul Morse: HS A7).

One of the assaulted cameramen said he is considering a lawsuit against the OPP (HS A7).

Letter writer Andrew Dreschel: It must be a question in the minds of many Caledonia residents whether the OPP is providing the adequate and effective services required under the Police Services Act. Many would probably like nothing better than to be able to call on a local force that is more responsive and accountable to community needs and expectations (HS A2).

Columnist Lorne Gunter: Whatever the merits of the land claims in Caledonia, all negotiations and government concessions must now end until the occupiers agree to dismantle their barricades and end their illegal occupation. If someone gets seriously injured much of the blame will be traced to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty’s current paralysis (NP A19).

Columnist Ian Urquhart: If the Caledonia standoff continues, Mr. McGuinty will appear indecisive. So far, Mr. Harper’s Conservatives have managed to escape the political fallout. That fallout is all landing on Mr. McGuinty, who can only hope the land claim talks bear fruit (TStar A13, KWR A6).

Tuesday, June 13^th: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty called off talks with the Six Nations until the barricades are removed and help is given in finding six wanted men. Members of the Six Nations Confederacy said they have no plans to hand the wanted men over to the OPP or Six Nations police. Spokespersons said they are conducting their own investigation. Minister of Indian Affairs Jim Prentice also called for the blockades to be removed to relieve tension in the community. He said those barricades must come down before land claims can be discussed. Caledonia Citizens Alliance spokesperson Ken Hewitt said he is glad the province is finally “taking a stand.” Some Caledonia residents said the move by Mr. McGuinty is “too little, too late” (Deirdre Healey: HS A1; CP: Angela Pacienza: VProv A9, Gaz A12, WFP A9, CG A8, OSun 7, HDN 19, LFP B10, ESun 31, CSun 19, HCH A3, KWS 13, KWR A3, NBTJ A6; April Lindgren: Ctz A5, WStar B8, VTC A5, NP A15, CH A7, EJ A5, RLP A3).

Chief Stewart Philip, the president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said the government must resolve land disputes with First Nations or face more conflicts like the standoff in Caledonia. The union voted unanimously in support of a resolution calling on Prime Minister Steven Harper and Mr. Prentice to personally intervene in the dispute. Mr. McGuinty’s ultimatum was noted (Emily Chung and April Lindgren: VSun A3).

Ontario Provincial Police are trying to recover classified documents containing the identities of undercover officers and operational details concerning the occupation at Caledonia. Mr. McGuinty’s ultimatum was noted. When asked what would happen if the barricades are not removed, Mr. McGuinty said: “We'll see” (Rob Ferguson, Richard Brennan and Robert Benzie: TStar A5; CP: TSun 7, CBWS 8).

Reporter Lynda Powless, publisher of the Six Nations weekly Turtle Island News, said documents were found in the U.S. Border Patrol vehicle stolen by some of the occupiers. OPP officials say the border agents were observing the handling of the standoff (Paul Morse: HS A7).

Ontario mediator David Peterson lauded the move to call off talks. He reiterated that ultimately the issue is not a provincial responsibility. Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson said that while Mr. McGuinty said removal of the barricades would be “evidence of goodwill,” her people had already demonstrated that with the removal of the Highway 6 barricade (Tenille Bonoguore: G&M A17).

Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory said Mr. McGuinty’s refusal to negotiate until the barricades come down is “too little, too late” (Antonella Artuso: TSun 7).

London Free Press editorial: Police are wise to use restraint in Caledonia. But it appears the OPP is exercising restraint to a fault and, as a result, innocent people are at risk of being hurt or killed. At this stage, the onus is on First Nations police to track down the suspects and arrest them. Mr. McGuinty’s tough approach, while welcome, is coming a little late (LFP A8).

Ottawa Sun editorial: We are beginning to wonder just how badly out of control the situation in Caledonia will have to become in order to spur Mr. McGuinty into action. The dispute has to end now, not after we are planning a funeral service (OSun 14).

Toronto Sun editorial: Mr. McGuinty, the first thing you need to do about the standoff is to restore order. If the OPP cannot do it then ask the Canadian military to come in and do it. As for finally saying that you will not negotiate until the occupiers abandon violent tactics, congratulations on finally waking up. None of which is to let Mr. Harper off the hook. The reality is that the land claim that set off this entire mess cannot be solved without the active participation of the federal government (TSun 20).

Columnist Lorrie Goldstein: Canadians spend more than $10 billion a year on Canada's Aboriginal people. So why is it not making the lives of “Aboriginal Canadians” any better? Canada's Aboriginal policies are insane, not just when it comes to how money is being spent, but on how land claims are settled – or rather not settled. What could be more insane than the disastrous situation Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Mr. Harper have allowed to develop in Caledonia? The two they are responsible for pouring gasoline on the fire by countenancing lawbreaking by Aboriginal protesters. Mr. Harper’s sins have been those of omission. If the disputed land claim that started this is ever going to be resolved, the feds will have to be front and centre. Both sides of the issue have been abandoned by government, with terrible consequences for both (TSun 21).

Columnist Robert Howard: A serious move to lower the temperature in Caledonia is needed. The best thing for the occupiers to do would be to remove the barricade on the Highway 6 overpass. The federal government should respond in kind by publicly taking on a direct role in the negotiations to defuse the landreclamation issue. Both "sides" have a duty to control the hotheads in their ranks, to unreservedly condemn their violence or criminality and to not shield them from the law (HS A15).

Columnist Christina Blizzard: It is about time that Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay and Mr. Prentice have said the barricades need to come down. It is not entirely the province's fault that this has dragged on. Prime Minister Harper has been woefully missing in action on this. Aboriginal affairs fall under Ottawa's bailiwick. It is time they stepped up to the plate. If these scofflaws do not bring down the barricades, it is time to send in the army (TSun 7, OSun 15).

Wednesday, June 14^th: Six Nations occupiers in Caledonia removed the barricades that blocked a highway bypass and a rail line after Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty suspended talks. Talks will now go ahead. Mr. McGuinty heralded the barricade removal as a positive step. Prime Minister Stephen Harper seemed to endorse a get-tough approach and said the “law must be obeyed.” NDP Leader Jack Layton accused Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice and Mr. Harper of being absent in the matter. The PM responded that the federal government is working closely with their provincial counterparts. Mr. Prentice welcomed the removal of barricades. It was noted that a spokesperson for the occupiers said that the six people wanted by the OPP will not be automatically surrendered (CP: TStar A15, KWR A1; CP: WStar A12, EJ A5, Gaz A11, Ctz A14, HDN 16, LFP A5, KWS 14, CH A5, HCH A7, TSun 7, MTT C4, NBTJ A3; James Rusk: G&M A7; NP A10).

Mr. Layton asserted that Mr. Harper must get personally involved in the standoff because it is “a powder keg that's about to blow.” It was noted that Mr. Prentice praised the Six Nations' chief and clan mothers for convincing the occupiers to help defuse the situation (Bill Rodgers: OSun 20, CSun 27, ESun 26, WSun 12).

While the occupiers removed the barricades they have indicated they will not surrender the six people wanted by the OPP. They said the six suspects are being dealt with by the confederacy council and not Canadian law. Confederacy Chief Allen MacNaughton warned that if the Six Nations police moved in to arrest the suspects, it could cause unrest on the reserve. However, Six Nations Band Council leader David General said the suspects should be dealt with by the OPP and the Six Nations police have a duty to uphold Canadian law (Deirdre Healey: HS A1).

Caledonia business owners and property owners have launched a class- action suit against Haldimand County, the OPP Commissioner and Cayuga detachment commissioner. They indicated the province will also be included in the lawsuit (Deirdre Healey: HS A1; CP: KWS 14).

Residents living next to the occupied land claim the occupiers are being aggressive and intimidating toward them and police response has been ineffectual. A “resident response plan” has been circulated on what residents are to do “in the event a home or resident comes under attack.” The author of the response plan said it is only defensive (John Burman and Daniel Nolan: HS A4; CP: RLP C12).

A national real estate developer is poised to invest in more than 200 hectares of property and build about 2,500 homes in and around Caledonia despite the current standoff (Lisa Grace Marr: HS A5).

The OPP has told its union that special precautions are now in place after confidential police documents landed in the hands of the occupiers (Paul Morse: HS A5).

Ottawa Citizen editorial: The protesters recognize that the government is spooked by the memory of Dudley George, and that gives them an intoxicating sense of impunity. In a sense, the Six Nations have taken hostages. They are holding our values for ransom. Mr. McGuinty has tried to negotiate in good faith. It is now entirely up to the protesters to determine how this episode will end (Ctz A16).

Columnist Brian Doolittle: Little attempt has been made to understand the issues that led to the Caledonia standoff. The larger problem is that the system currently in place to adjudicate land claims just is not working. Even Mr. Prentice says the system is in “gridlock.” A speedier and more efficient system will not remove all the problems, but it will reduce the likelihood of us seeing the anger and frustration evident on both sides of the Caledonia barricades resurfacing elsewhere (NP A11).

Lorrie Goldstein’s column on Caledonia was repeated (LFP A11, CSun 15).

Thursday, June 15^th: In an article about Liberal MP Scott Brison it was noted that Mr. Brison believes the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has mishandled the Caledonia standoff. He said Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice should be “directly engaged” in talks with Six Nations and not federal appointee and former cabinet minister Barbara McDougall (Daniel Nolan: HS A6).

Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson said since they have now removed barricades the government has no excuse to avoid tackling their land claims. Ms. Jamieson said they need to see something “concrete.” Ken Hewitt, spokesperson for the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, questioned how substantive the talks will be, since Ontario negotiator Jane Stewart said they would not talk about land claims until the occupation was ended (Marissa Nelson: HS A9).

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy traditional government said the seven members of the occupation wanted in connection with three violent incidents in Caledonia have been removed to an unnamed place while an investigation is conducted. An OPP spokesperson said the provincial police are confident the accused will be arrested in time. The Six Nations Police Service is not commenting on the warrants (John Burman: HS A9; CP: Keith Leslie: WStar A7, TSun 26, TStar A9, CSun 21, HCH A3, LFP A7, KWR A3, KWS 18, SSP B8; Nelson: HS A9).

OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface told the Ipperwash inquiry that politicians will no longer be welcome in OPP command posts at standoffs (Pat Maloney: LFP C4).

Occupation participant David Martin pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and to fleeing police for an incident that occurred on the disputed land (Paul Legall: HS A9).

Coverage of the lawsuit by Caledonia business was repeated (CP: Mike Oliveira: WStar A7, LFP A7, HCH A3, VTC C5, WSun 12, NBTJ A5).

Lorrie Goldstein’s column on Caledonia was repeated (OSun 13).

Friday, June 16^th: Negotiators for the federal and Ontario governments have resumed talks with the Six Nations in regard to the Aboriginal land claims dispute in Caledonia. Both sides are urging occupiers and area residents to remain calm as efforts continue to resolve the dispute. The talks resumed at the Six Nations community centre in Ohsweken on Thursday, and federal negotiator Barbara McDougall, Ontario representative Jane Stewart, and Six Nations Chief Allen MacNaughton plan to meet again today in a conference call. Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine called on involved parties to avoid further violence in an effort to send a positive message to all First Nations and Canadians that fair and just solutions can be brokered (John Burman: HS A5, Mike Oliveira: LFP B5; April Kemick: LFP B3; CP: KWS 9, VTC A9, TSun 49, WSun 8, CSun 30).

Ontario Superior Court Justice David Marshall has invited legal representatives from the Ontario and federal governments, the OPP, and land development company Henco, to a hearing in Cayuga where he will address the reasons why two of his injunctions have not been enforced in Caledonia. Aboriginal representatives have also been invited, but are not expected to attend (Wade Hemsworth: HS A4).

Joseph Green, a U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent, confirmed the presence of one of its employees in a vehicle that was allegedly swarmed last weekend by Aboriginal occupiers in Caledonia, confirming earlier reports by Six Nations people. Mr. Green said the agent was there on an “intelligence sharing mission,” and not to investigate anyone. Mr. Green added that the agent had been invited to Caledonia by the OPP as an expert in tobacco diversion and illegal firearms trafficking. Hazel Hill, a spokesperson for the Six Nations, said the fact a “U.S. spy” was present should be cause for widespread concern (Marissa Nelson: HS A5).

Montreal Gazette editorial: The double standard that Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has allowed to grow up around the land dispute in Caledonia has now become manifestly absurd following last Friday’s criminal charges being laid. Enforce the law Mr. McGuinty, before this gets any worse (Gaz A24).

Toronto Star editorial: Six Nations members, Caledonia residents, the police and government officials all must do what they can to contain the chaos before it leads to tragedy. There is blame to go round on all sides. Prime Minister Harper’s government also has an obligation to assume some responsibility here. The federal government is a party to the Aboriginal land claims process. The PM cannot simply dismiss the dispute as a provincial matter, and should direct Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice to become personally involved in talks (TStar A22).

Columnist Christina Blizzard: No one stands to gain from the lack of police authority over the occupation in Caledonia. Much of the sympathy people in Ontario had for Aboriginal land claims has evaporated, and Caledonia townspeople have become frustrated that what once was a good relationship with the Six Nations reserve has disappeared (OSun 13, TSun 30)

Letter writer Wade Hemsworth: Strip away the land-claim issue, the barricades, the anger and the violence, and the conflict at Caledonia comes down to two sets of people living in the same place with totally different approaches to organizing their societies. While non-Aboriginal people live under a written, codified system of jurisprudence, Aboriginal life in the various territories of the Iroquois Confederacy is governed by a tradition called the Great Law of Peace. The differences between these two approaches have made finding a solution to the dispute in Caledonia difficult (HS A4).

Columnist Lee Prokaska: The rule of law is a basic underpinning of a civilized and equitable society. However, it is a principle that is suffering immense damage in Caledonia. The uneven application of the rule of law has long-term ramifications not only for the reputation of the OPP, but also for how our country works, or does not work, in the aftermath of the Caledonia situation (HS A19).

Saturday, June 17^th: The Ontario government reached a tentative agreement to buy back the plot of land that ignited the Six Nations occupation. As well, police arrested one of seven people wanted on warrants stemming from a series of clashes at the blockade site. The Ontario government said that a deal could not have been brokered if it was not for the assistance from the federal government. Deirdra McCracken, a spokesperson for federal Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice, said Ottawa did not play a role in Ontario’s decision to buy out the developer (James Rusk: G&M A14).

The buy back deal seemed to do little to satisfy stakeholders. Lawyers for the province announced the plan to during a court hearing into the dispute. Lawyers for both the province and Henco Industries Limited, which owns the land, said that no price has yet been agreed upon. Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay said that the two parties have agreed on a price, although he would not disclose the amount (Chris Wattie: NP A1).

The Ontario government believes the purchase of the occupied Douglas Creek Estates will pave the way for the peaceful resolution of the explosive Caledonia land dispute. The province also announced another $1 million will be paid to Caledonia businesses hurt by the dispute. The occupiers say they will not leave the subdivision site until title has been put back in their hands (HS A1).

Minister Ramsay said the agreement by the province to buy Caledonia land valued at $45 million marks the beginning of years of settling Six Nations land claims, and no one knows how much they will cost. Dennis Brown, a lawyer for the provincial attorney general’s office, announced the land purchase deal, an agreement in principle in which the government will pay “fair market price” for the land. Six Nations spokesperson Hazel Hill said the purchase agreement was a positive move to compensate the developers “because they are caught in the middle of a land dispute that has nothing to do with them” (Jessica Leeder: TStar A1).

Aboriginal protesters continued their 3 1/2 month occupation of a Caledonia housing development, despite the Dalton McGuinty government’s purchase of the disputed land for an undisclosed amount. Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson said the land title has not been transferred to them (TSun 8).

“Too little, too late” was the reaction of residents in Caledonia when they heard the news that the Ontario government will buy out a developer and give another $1 million to businesses hard hit by a land-claim dispute. Non-Aboriginal residents expressed deep anger at the federal government for failing to intervene in the dispute, and disappointment with the OPP for not protecting residents in skirmishes with the occupiers. Others criticized the Ontario government and Premier Dalton McGuinty for failing to take the crisis seriously (Brodie Fenlon: TSun 8).

Reporter Katie Rook analyzed the historical background of the land dispute. Developers John and Don Henning issued a release which claims the “Haldimand Grant” of 1784 said title of 19 km straddling Plank Road remained with the Crown. The Six Nations reportedly leased the land on the condition they would be paid both principal and interest (NP A10).

One of seven persons sought in relation to several violent incidents involving the Douglas Creek Estates land dispute has been put in custody. Six Nations police arrested British Columbia resident Audra Ann Taillefer on charges of intimidation and robbery in connection with an incident involving an elderly couple. She was arrested on Six Nations territory (John Burman: HS A4).

London Free Press editorial: Ontario’s Liberal government dropped a big hint as to how it has decided to solve the crisis at Caledonia: by papering the place with taxpayer dollars. The provincial Liberals have decided that buying off the developer and local business-people with public money is the way they will lay the groundwork for resolution (LFP F2).

Toronto Sun editorial: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is apparently so freaked out by the Aboriginal protesters in Caledonia that he has now made major concessions to them -- with taxpayers’ money -- without getting anything in return (TSun 19).

Columnist Lorne Gunter: Dalton McGuinty’s government has squeezed taxpayers hard to placate both sides and make this dispute disappear. But frankly, this amounts to awarding law-breaking and in the long-run will only provoke more such confrontations with Aboriginal peoples (NP A19).

Columnist Lee Prokaska: The provincial government made several very smart moves in the ongoing effort to resolve the Aboriginal dispute in Caledonia. These moves included: buying out Henco Industries, offering more money to Haldimand County to help economic recovery, and announcing emergency financial help for residents directly impacted by the dispute. All of these efforts have gone a long way to paring down the number of fires to be dowsed in order to bring the situation to a resolution (HS A25).

Columnist Joe Warmington: How much of Ontario’s tax payers money will be used to settle the Caledonia land dispute? (TSun 9).

Columnist Ian Urquhart: The Ontario Liberal government has bought some peace with the new deal that has been brokered with the land developers. This deal has set a precedent and this might not be the last time the province encounters a dispute like Caledonia (TStar A25).

Dianne Rinehart, a Toronto-based writer: Small decisions must be made in light of precedents they may set before the Supreme Court, which has already laid a few tough decisions on the federal government over what had seemed small claims in the past. So small claims remain unresolved, the barricades go up, and, as small as each may be they add up to one big mess for Aboriginals, fishermen, hunters, local economies ... and Canada (HS D25).

Letter from Barbara McDougall, a former secretary of state for external affairs, Chief Allan MacNaughton, special federal representative Six Nations/Haudenosaunee Confederacy and Jane Stewart, special representative, Province of Ontario: Governments at all levels recognized early the need to respond to the growing tension with a process of discussion and negotiation. Haldimand city council and local members of Parliament put forth ideas to Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Jim Prentice. Those who are not at the main table but have a stake in the outcome of our discussions can help by exercising patience and having a good mind. Every racist remark, every act of violence is a setback to our capacity at the Main Table to “polish the silver covenant chain” between the Six Nations peoples and the Crown (KWS 6).

Monday, June 19^th: Mr. Karl Walsh, president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, said the OPP’s reputation has been hurt by events surrounding the standoff in Caledonia (CP: Mike Oliveira: ESun 34, TSun 33, KWS 13, HCH A3, KWR C11).

Police arrested a First Nations man after another man reported someone fired a gun at him. Ontario Provincial Police are saying little about the reported shooting (CP: WStar B1, LFP A8, KWS 13, Gaz A11; Paul Morse: HS A3).

Tuesday, June 20^th: Six Nations occupiers have denied claims that they are building a bunker on the occupation site in Caledonia. Residents near the occupied tract of land expressed concerns last week when workers began excavating on the site of the half-completed subdivision. However, the occupiers said Monday that they are only conducting an archeological survey for thousands of bodies believed to be on the site (Paul Legall: HS A3; WFP A7).

Karl Walsh, president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, expressed frustration at what he described as the negative portrayal of OPP officers involved in the Aboriginal occupation in Caledonia (Mike Oliveira: G&M A8).

Ottawa Citizen editorial: In the Caledonia dispute, for the well-being of all concerned, a speedier-than-usual settlement is desirable. But while offering carrots, the one thing the Ontario government cannot do is abandon the rule of law, no matter how expedient such a course might prove to be. Many of the protesters on both sides are just thugs out for a dustup (Ctz B4).

Columnist Murray Campbell: The dispute in Caledonia is an example of two distinct societies - Native and non-Native - that have two very different approaches to the world despite the fact that they have lived beside each other for more than 200 years. As former Ontario premier David Peterson noted: “At the end of the day, we have three choices - they can shoot all of us, we can shoot all of them or we can all get along.” If we do not opt for the third choice, which of the other two are we advocating? (G&M A7).

Bary McGrory, retired Catholic priest: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty should head straight to the federal government in regard to the Caledonia occupation. The Premier could demand that Canada provide a concrete schedule with dates linked to precise objectives showing exactly when and how the federal government intends to regulate the grievance. Failing that, the Premier could request that a UN body mediate between Canada and the Six Nations toward a just solution (TStar A17).

Wednesday, June 21^st: The Ontario government is refusing to disclose how much it is paying to buy the disputed tract of land in Caledonia. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said that the developers that were building on the land are not prepared to make that information public (Karen Howlett: G&M A11).

Ontario’s Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay said that homeowners in Caledonia who feel they have suffered because of the ongoing occupation will be compensated by the province (Deirdre Healey: HS A1; CP: WFP A6, RLP A2, LFP A6, KWR A3).

Rumours are circulating that Six Nations members are prepared to use aggressive tactics to claim more land along the Grand River. Some townspeople say they have lost faith that the police will protect them if there are more occupations. Police have been widely accused of turning a blind eye to lawbreakers. However, officers claim their hands were tied by orders from OPP higher-ups. Ken Hewitt, a spokesperson for the Caledonia Citizens' Alliance, said police action has demonstrated that there are two systems of law in Caledonia. Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter said the fact no one has been killed or seriously hurt should be a measure of success (Jessica Leeder: TStar A4).

Pat Green, program co-ordinator at the Healing of the Seven Generations in Kitchener, said the occupation in Caledonia has strengthened the Aboriginal presence in Canada. Mr. Green said he is wary when government officials suggest the recently purchased land will be held in trust. He also commented that the occupation brought out racism (Liz Monteiro: KWR B1).

David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs: It is our government's expectation that the purchase of the disputed land sets the stage for further progress at the main negotiation table as talks continue (TStar A27).

Columnist Christina Blizzard: The land that has been purchased by the Ontario government has gone into trust until ownership can be decided through "historical research" and negotiations. I think we can all figure out what that negotiation and "historical research" will discover, can we not? This is a total capitulation to a group who have used might to get their way. Forget about the courts and the rule of law. Throw a hissy fit. Block a road or two. Topple a hydro tower. Put on face masks and balaclavas and wave a flag atop a barricade. Then, bingo! You hit the jackpot (TSun 25, OSun 11).

Letter writer Craig Lewis: The group that is in the middle of the Caledonia dispute has been and continues to be the Ontario Provincial Police. The politicians in this province need to support the police (KWS 7).

Thursday, June 22^nd: Ken Hewitt, a representative of the Caledonia Citizens’ Alliance, told reporters Wednesday that his group is opposed to the Ontario government’s plan to purchase Douglas Creek Estates and hand it over to the Six Nations’ Community (April Lindgren: NP A8, SSP C5, WStar A6).

Michael Bruder, the lawyer representing Douglas Creek Estates developers Don and John Henning, contradicted assertions made by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, saying Wednesday that the Henning brothers have not asked that the purchase price of their property be kept confidential. Mr. Bruder said that while the Hennings have agreed in principle to sell the development to the government at fair market value, the selling price has not yet been determined because the parties are still drafting a final agreement. David Ramsay, the minister responsible for Aboriginal affairs, said last night that the government does plan to reveal the selling price after the deal is finalized (Karen Howlett: G&M A11).

Ontario Superior Court Justice David Marshall summoned the commissioner of the OPP, the provincial and federal attorneys general and other parties to appear before him on June 29 and explain why his orders to police to evict Six Nations occupiers from Douglas Creek Estates continue to be flouted. Justice Marshall stated Wednesday, during a brief court appearance in Cayuga, “This court can not indefinitely tolerate the contempt of the orders of the court that now prevails in Caledonia” (Paul Legall: HS A4).

A group of seventy Caledonia residents traveled to Toronto Wednesday where they demonstrated outside of Queens Park in protest of what was described as government inaction and a lack of communication that has left residents facing unsafe conditions. Earlier in the day, members of the Caledonia Citizens’ Alliance met with Premier McGuinty. Mr. McGuinty made no promises, but did listen to the concerns held by the group’s members (Carmela Fragomeni: HS A4; Antonella Artuso: TSun 14).

Prominent Six Nations businessman Ken Hill was arrested this morning and charged with two counts of assault in connection with a dispute on June 4. Mr. Hill is expected to appear in Cayuga court July 19. Mr. Hill is one of six people named in a number of warrants issued for various charges by the OPP following three violent incidents around the Six Nations-occupied Douglas Creek Estates June 9 (John Burman & Paul Legall: HS A4).

Friday, June 23^rd: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty revealed that taxpayers will pay $12.3 million for the disputed land in Caledonia. David Ramsay, the minister responsible for Aboriginal affairs, said the province has agreed to compensate Henco for potential lost profits. Opposition Leader John Tory said the government should not be spending money to resolve the situation until the occupiers have been removed from the site. Mr. McGuinty said the province wanted “to take the land out of the equation.” He also called on the occupation to end (Keith Leslie: G&M A7; April Lindgren: Gaz A16, WStar C1, NP A9, EJ A8, SSP A16, VTC A7; John Burman: HS A5; WSun 8; Christina Blizzard: TSun 2, OSun 8, LFP B2).

The OPP have turned over part of their policing responsibility on the outskirts of Caledonia to Six Nations officers. OPP officers will no longer respond to calls from non-Aboriginal home and property owners who live on the 6th Line. The purchase of the disputed land and the call for the occupation to end were noted (Jessica Leeder and Richard Brennan: TStar A8).

Dave Levac, MPP for Brant: It is our government's expectation that the purchase of the Douglas Creek Estates land sets the stage for further progress at the main negotiation table as talks continue between Six Nations, the federal government and Ontario (HS A17).

Columnist Lee Prokaska: Mr. McGuinty is right. The protesters at the Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia should leave. Continuing the occupation serves no true purpose. The occupiers have achieved the goals they articulated at the outset – to get the attention of the federal government and to highlight the issue of Aboriginal land claims. Ending the occupation is not a sign of capitulation. On the contrary, it would be a progressive step toward resolving the dispute (HS A17).

Saturday, June 24^th: A confidential government report said the dispute between Ontario and Canada over who should pay for Aboriginal land claim settlements has prevented the resolution of the Caledonia crisis. The report was written by the federal government’s “fact finder” who was sent to Caledonia in March. Michael Coyle, an assistant professor at University of Western Ontario’s faculty of law, was appointed by the federal government to conduct the report for the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. The report urges the minister to make sure a federal response does not “exacerbate divisions within the Six Nations community” (Marissa Nelson: HS A1).

Non-Aboriginal Sixth Line Road residents said they are upset and perplexed to learn the OPP has not answered emergency calls on their road. Calls are being handled by the Six Nations for the duration of the Douglas Creek Estates land claim standoff. The OPP said the arrangement has been in place since the abortive attempt to clear Aboriginal protesters from the subdivision. Both the OPP and Six Nations police say they have long-standing agreements to help each other and the arrangement was made to ensure emergency calls are answered (John Burman: HS A8).

Ottawa Sun editorial: The province of Ontario must enforce the laws in Caledonia, that means anyone caught breaking the law should be punished. The law must be upheld before any sort of land claim settlement can be reached and taxpayers money used to settle the dispute (OSun 14).

Sunday, Kune 25^th: Dianne Rinehart, a Toronto-based editor and writer: Aboriginal people must change the way they live on reserves and handle land claim situations. In order to stay together with the rest of Canada, Aboriginals must work with the rest of Canada in a peaceful manner so that fair and equal resolutions can be met (WFP A1).

Columnist Thomas Walkom: Caledonia has been a perfect example as to why Canada must change the way it deals with land claim issues, so that divisions between communities never happen again and the respect for First Nations by other Canadians stays intact (TStar F1).

Monday, June 26^th: Liberal leadership hopeful Michael Ignatieff criticized Ottawa's silence on Caledonia. He said it is crucial to strike a balance between the rule of law and a “serious Aboriginal claim ... that has to be respected” (Rob Faulkner: HS A3).

John Zemanovich, a non-status Indian: Caledonia is a wake-up call for the federal government. By neglecting its responsibilities to effectively and efficiently deal with land claims, it has not only empowered those with extremist political views on both sides of the issue, it has effectively ensured that more confrontations will occur and that more Canadians will experience conflict with Aboriginal people. Prime Minister Stephen Harper: The buck stops at your desk. Get on with it. Leadership means getting things done (HS A15).

Wednesday, June 28^th: Letter from Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice and Ontario Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay: Despite claims to the contrary, we have been in frequent contact with each other and that spirit of co-operation extends to all the officials at the discussion table, including federal negotiator Barbara McDougall and her provincial counterpart Jane Stewart. Each government brings different powers to the table, so we must work together (HS A17, LFP A10).

Columnist David Warren: Whatever validity the Six Nations' land claims may prove to have in some later retrospect, they had no validity when the thugs occupied the Douglas Creek Estates property. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty would be an embarrassment in any political jurisdiction. In the face of escalating land claims and radicalization right across the country, he has set a catastrophic precedent (Ctz A14).

Thursday, June 29^th: Negotiations to resolve the Caledonia land claim dispute resume today. The Caledonia Citizens Alliance has been assured it will participate in the discussions when the occupied land is discussed. Spokesperson Ken Hewitt said he believes the federal government must fix the land claims process. It was noted that Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice has promised an overhaul of the process. Justice David Marshall expects to adjourn until July 5 a court appearance for the commissioner of the OPP, the provincial and federal attorneys general and other parties interested in the dispute. Ontario's Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay met with Ontario chiefs, including Six Nations Chief David General, to work out guidelines to help provincial ministries consult Aboriginal people on matters related to rights protected under the constitution and treaties (John Burman: HS A6).

Friday, June 30^th: The OPP arrested a 36-year-old man for assault in connection with an incident involving a CH TV camera crew June 9. Police said the man was arrested on an unrelated Brantford police warrant in Caledonia Wednesday, charged with assault and released on bail. The man’s name was not released as the investigation continues. The man is not one of the seven suspects sought after a series of violent incidents surrounding the Native land reclamation site the same weekend. Police learned of his alleged involvement in the CH incident during investigation of those events (HS A3).

The Ontario Provincial Police have reportedly planned a heavy presence in Caledonia as a number of Canadians join together to celebrate Canada Day this weekend (John Burman: HS A6).

Mainstream Media May 2006

May 2006

Monday, May 1^st: Former Ontario premier David Peterson likened his new task of solving the ongoing Six Nations land dispute in Caledonia to finding a solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He noted that the matter “has been going on for 200 years” and said that “it’s extremely complicated.” Some expressed hope that Mr. Peterson can deal with the growing tension between the Six Nations occupiers and residents of Caledonia. It was noted that the matter has unearthed some unabashed racism among people in the area. However, one member of the Six Nations noted that he has continued to experience kindness from area residents (Richard Brennan and Jim Wilkes: TStar A4).

Residents of the Six Nations are not impressed by the appointment of Mr. Peterson. Clyde Powless, a spokesman for the occupiers said: “Peterson? I've heard of him, but I don't know too much about politics. He's just a small guy” (Colin Freeze: G&M A8).

Mr. Peterson could not say how long it will take to reach an agreement (CP: HS A1, Gaz A9, CSun 19, BE A1, KWR A3).

Columnist Colleen Simard documented her time spent at the occupation site in Caledonia. She noted: “Caledonians angry at Natives should instead be pointing a finger at the province of Ontario. They sold those 40 hectares of land to a developer when it was already part of a land claim. Isn't there a law against this?” (WFP A11).

Columnist Lorne Gunter: Residents of the Six Nations have been claiming that they are not subject to Canada’s laws as they are residents of a sovereign nation. If we are going to accept this claim, then we must be consistent and recognize that just as Canada’s laws do not apply neither do its protections, such as of hunting and fishing rights. Aboriginal sovereignty must apply in all circumstances (NP A17).

Evelyn Myrie, a freelance columnist: I am concerned that relationships between those living on the Six Nations reserve and Caledonia residents will need a major repair job after this whole affair has ended. Those in Caledonia frustrated by the occupation should turn their frustration toward the government, rather than the people who continue to be victims on their own land (HS A15).

Tuesday, May 2^nd: Caledonia Mayor Marie Trainer expressed hope that provincial mediator David Peterson can help come up with a solution to the Six Nations occupation. McMaster University political science professor Henry Jacek said the province has filled a void created by the silence from Ottawa. He noted that Tory MP Diane Finley has been silent on the issue. He called the government “irresponsible” and said “they need to be engaged.” Hazel Hill, a spokesperson for the occupiers said that she was indifferent to Mr. Peterson's appointment (Marissa Nelson: HS A8).

The province is providing financial assistance to Henco, the developer involved in the Six Nations occupation, but the company insists the money is not a buyout. Neither Don Henning, Henco’s owner, nor Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay would say how much the aid package is worth. Caledonia will receive $100,000 in provincial compensation to assist businesses hurt by the occupation (Deirdre Healey: HS A7; CP: EJ A5, BE A1, HCH A10, CSun 16, TSun 5, KWR A3).

Chuck Reid and Winston Tinglin, members of Strengthening Hamilton's Community Roundtable: “The Six Nations occupation has generated racist responses. As Canadians, a key part of our common legacy should be a healthy environment in which differences can be worked through in a spirit of mutual respect, and racism has no room to flourish” (HS A15).

Wednesday, May 3^rd: Reports noted that the Harper government’s move to eliminate Kelowna accord funding in this year’s budget comes at a delicate time due to the situation in Caledonia. Liberal MP Lloyd St. Amand said the move will not help resolve the matter (Daniel Nolan: HS A6).

The Six Nations called on the UN to mediate its dispute with the federal government over the Douglas Creek housing development in Caledonia (Ctz A11, WFP A5).

Six Nations spokesperson Doreen Silversmith, who spoke to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, told the committee that Aboriginal people are “in a serious and volatile situation brought on by the irresponsible and genocidal practices of the corporation you call Canada” (Marissa Nelson: HS A6).

Thursday, May 4^th: Federal and provincial land claims negotiators have been appointed to join talks with the Six Nations in Caledonia. Former Conservative MP Barbara McDougall has been named by the federal government. Former minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Jane Stewart has been appointed Ontario’s special representative. Ontario's Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay said that Ms. Stewart was the obvious choice for the job. He said that the objective of the two negotiators will be to work out a long-term resolution for land claims in the area. Former premier David Peterson is expected to remain involved for the short term to try to find a solution to the occupation. Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer was excited to learn negotiators have been appointed (Barb McKay: HS A8; BE A6; Only Stewart’s appointment covered: NP A8; Oliver Moore: G&M A11).

Ontario’s police hate crimes unit is investigating a poster inciting citizens of Caledonia against Aboriginal people. The poster calls for a town meeting to discuss a “Final Solution” to what it calls the Indian problem. A photo of Ku Klux Klan members figures prominently on the poster (CP: Ctz A10, HCH A6, EJ A9, TSun 45, BE A6, KWR A3, HDN 10).

Both Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson and police investigators have suggested the poster is a hoax. However, Ms. Jamieson said the KKK has before incited violence against Aboriginal people (Paul Legall: HS A8).

Columnist Jeff Mahoney: I have no answers for the current standoff in Caledonia. I hope Mr. Peterson does. And the clan mothers (HS G2).

Friday, May 5^th: Haldimand-Norfolk MP Diane Finley rejected criticism from some Caledonia residents that she has been invisible in dealing with the occupation. The Human Resources Minister said she has been to Caledonia virtually every weekend to check on the situation and talk to key players, and has also gone down to see the occupation by Six Nations members and their supporters. She said she also talks to Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice every day and said her staff is in touch with his department several times every day. Ms. Finley said that the government's appointment of Barbara McDougall as its representative on a resolution panel “shows our commitment to resolving this is very strong” (Daniel Nolan: HS A8).

Former Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart said that she has no doubt that her role as Ontario’s representative in the Caledonia negotiations will be one of the most challenging tasks of her career. Ms. Stewart added that she believes there is a willingness by all parties to find a resolution to the claims and put them to rest once and for all. Ms. Stewart said that no time frame has been established, but noted a “dedicated commitment” from both levels of government. She said that it is too early to say if land could be returned to Six Nations (Daniel Nolan: HS A8).

The Six Nations land claim in Caledonia is creating caution over development in a broad swath of land running through the region. Officials believe that building projects up and down the Grand River could draw further protests or occupations. It was noted that plans to build new bridges over the Grand in the Kitchener-Waterloo area have been stalled. Brant County Mayor Ron Eddy commented that a deal that offered First Nations a stream of money from future development could “stop some development in some areas” (James Rusk: G&M A18).

James Ward, the Mi'kmaq warrior who was central in the Burnt Church crisis of 2000, visited the main barricade in Caledonia. He said a fellow warrior asked for his support. Mr. Ward said the “alliance of warrior societies” at the main gate included representatives from seven different First Nations and from five provinces. He said the warriors are there at the disposal of the community. Spokesperson Hazel Hill said the men were simply there to see the gate. It was noted that Caledonia residents have planned another demonstration in front of the Six Nations blockade (Marissa Nelson: HS A1).

Dakota Brant: I am a resident of Six Nations. I am 18 years old. Your children are my friends. I am saddened to see at this time that respectable people are working to instill fear in my friends. Beyond that barricade, families, children, friends, elders are socializing. Canada needs a wake-up call. The whole world is watching this situation. It's your move Canada – what's next? (HS A17).

Saturday, May 6^th: Tempers flared at a Caledonia town rally held Friday night to protest the closure of two main roads by Aboriginal protesters. It was the second large rally in a week staged by townsfolk to show their displeasure of the blockades on Argyle Street South and the Highway 6 bypass. More than 400 people gathered just north of the Argyle Street blockade, separated from the protesters by dozens of OPP officers. The crowd was largely peaceful. Marion Rice, a member of Caledonia Resistance, said the rally was organized not to target Aboriginal protesters but to show that townspeople are upset at the way governments have dealt with the blockade (Dan Nolan: HS A3).

Sunday, May 7^th: Don and John Henning of Henco Indutries said they are “extremely angry and frustrated” with unsuccessful efforts to have looted property returned. Henco lawyer Michael Bruder said files, computers, furniture and construction equipment worth an estimated $200,000 were looted from an office and model home on the site on April 20 (WSun A11).

Monday, May 8^th: Reporter Michael Allan Marion profiled Liberal MP Lloyd St. Amand, saying he is “arguably the politician on the ground who knows the most about issues involving Six Nations” (BE A9).

Former Ontario premier David Peterson said that he feels he is making progress in negotiations on the Caledonia dispute. It was noted that the occupiers erected a new barricade over the weekend on the north side of the Highway 6 bypass bridge over the Grand River (Paul Legall: HS A5, WStar C1, TStar A9, BE A6; LFP A4).

Laurie Froman of the Wolf Clan, Cayuga Nation, in a letter, called on people to learn the history of relations between the First Nations people and European settlers in order to understand the current situation. She commended all who have expressed their support for the Six Nations occupation (BE A9).

Tuesday, May 9^th: The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights harshly criticized Canada for its failure to protect Aboriginal economic, social and cultural rights. The committee specifically asked about the failure to settle outstanding land claims brought forward by the Six Nations and the Lubicon Cree. It also asked why Aboriginal women are disproportionately exposed to sexual assault and murder (CP: Lisa Schlein: WFP A9, VProv A8, HS A9, Gaz A13, TSun 34, TStar A15, FDG A7).

Wednesday, May 10^th: The Six Nations occupiers and the OPP have both increased their numbers on the north side of the Grand River where protesters have erected barriers, flags, banners and tents (Paul Legall: HS A5, KWR A11; CP: RLP A6, BE A5, OSun 14, CBP A8, CBWS 9).

Andrew Orkin, a Hamilton-based human rights lawyer, in an analysis of the current occupation in Caledonia wrote: “Canada is a colonial country. It is not meaningfully discussing or commencing its long-overdue decolonization. Rather, it is still engaged in ignoring, perpetuating and entrenching, or even denying it.” Orkin noted that the Department of Indian Affairs has been criticized for failure in its stewardship role because Aboriginal people’s rights have been so frequently violated. He also noted that it has been criticized for being in a conflict of interest“as funding agent, defence counsel, judge and jury” (Ctz A17).

Thursday, May 11^th: Provincial negotiator David Peterson suggested the province buy the occupied site. The developers have said that they are not interested in selling. Mr. Peterson stressed that nothing has been agreed to by the parties involved. He said he could not discuss a removal date for the on-going blockades. Government negotiators Barbara McDougall and Jane Stewart met their Six Nations negotiating partners for the first time (Daniel Nolan: HS A6).

Premier Dalton McGuinty said that residents of Caledonia should be patient as government officials try to resolve the occupation. Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay said that all parties involved in the meeting with Ms. McDougall and Ms. Stewart were able to raise their concerns (CP: Angela Pacienza: BE A1, WSun 14, TSun 51, FDG A7).

Provincial PC justice critic Garfield Dunlop said taxpayers have paid $8 million to police the occupation in Caledonia (Paul Legall: HS A1).

Friday, May 12^th: Southern Ontario Railway, which operates the rail line between Caledonia and Nanticoke