June, 2006
Thursday, June 1st: 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 2nd: 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 3rd: 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 4th: 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 5th: 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 6th: 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 7th: 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 8th: 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 9th: 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 10th: 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 11th: 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 12th: 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 13th: 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 landreclamation 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 14th: 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 15th: 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 16th: 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 17th: 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 19th: 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 20th: 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 21st: 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 22nd: 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 23rd: 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 24th: 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 25th: 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 26th: 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 28th: 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 29th: 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 30th: 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).
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