May 2006
Monday, May 1st: 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 2nd: 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 3rd: 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 4th: 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 5th: 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 6th: 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 7th: 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 8th: 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 9th: 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 10th: 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 11th: 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 12th: Southern Ontario Railway, which operates the rail line between Caledonia and Nanticoke, has laid off about 25 percent of its workforce because its line is blocked by the Six Nations occupiers. Talks between the Six Nations and provincial mediator David Peterson are to resume today. Among the issues to be raised is the possible lifting of the blockade on the tracks (Daniel Nolan: HS A5).
A Hamilton TV station is showing video of a confrontation between the Six Nations occupiers and residents in Caledonia. The residents claimed that they were attempting to clear the blockade (CP: OSun 22, HDN 12).
Reporter Paul Legall profiled the costs incurred by the occupiers in maintaining the blockade. It was noted that the Six Nations band council has contributed $10,000 (HS A5).
Reporter Marissa Nelson profiled several of the main organizers of the occupation: Clyde Powless, Michael Laughing, Hazel Hill and Janie Jamieson (HS A6).
Saturday, May 13th: Aboriginal protesters could take down their controversial barricades as early as next week, if the government meets certain demands. Six Nations Confederacy Chief Allen MacNaughton announced they were close to reaching a “peaceful resolution” in the 75-day standoff at Douglas Creek Estates (Paul Legall and Daniel Nolan: HS A1; Richard Brennan: TStar A8; CP: HCH A12, VTC A10, SSP A15).
Columnist Robert Howard: The protest has successfully raised land-rights issues and has resulted in the present talks. Removal of barricades, allowing Caledonia to regain some normalcy, will not jeopardize anyone’s position, but will give protesters a moral high ground that may ultimately serve them well (HS A21).
Columnist Gerald Owen: Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people cannot hope to develop on parallel, but separate, paths. A delusion of parallel development can result in only more blockades, both physical and mental (NP A23).
Monday, May 15th: Six Nations spokeswoman Janie Jamieson said a leader's comments that barricades may come down within a week were premature. It was said that if the barricade does come down, the occupiers plan to maintain their presence on the land. Spokesman Clyde Powless said that discussions are on-going as to whether to accept or not a timeline for the removal of the barricade. One of the occupiers commented that the inclusion of the traditional chiefs in negotiations is significant. Another occupier observed that they have to give something if they hope to not lose all for which they have fought (Dana Borcea: HS A1).
A group of social justice activists from Kitchener took food to the occupiers for Mother’s Day. Jacqueline House, a Six Nations spokesperson told the group that those behind the blockades are victims of “psychological warfare,” at the hands of Caledonia residents, the military and police (Brian Whitwham: KWR B1).
A new Compas Inc. poll found that Aboriginal people overwhelmingly back the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. As well, they predict the number of similar land-claims protests is about to rise. Conrad Winn, president the polling firm said the high ratio of support to non-support – five-to-one “tells us there is a real strong sense of land grievance that continues among Aboriginal communities that won't go away that readily” (Kelly Patrick: NP A1).
Elizabeth Doxtater: Canada is built largely on unceded Aboriginal land. The Six Nations are sovereign nations within a nation (BE A9).
Tuesday, May 16th: A group of Caledonia locals called the Caledonia Citizen's Alliance claims to have assurances it will be represented in talks aimed at ending the Six Nations occupation (CP: LFP B4, TSun 37, KWR A3).
Haldimand County Deputy Mayor Tom Patterson said that the decision by the occupiers to reopen part of Highway Six is a good sign (Cheryl Bauslaugh: BE A4).
Brantford Expositor editorial: The claim has been made that Jane Stewart, the provincial negotiator with the Six Nations, is in a conflict of interest because her husband owns land that was part of the original 1784 land grant to the Six Nations. Everyone involved has a potential conflict of interest. If everyone who loves the Grand River, its land and its people were removed from negotiations, no one would be left (BE A8).
Wednesday, May 17th: Occupiers in Caledonia reopened a blockaded road to emergency vehicles and local traffic. Spokesperson Hazel Hill said the reopening is “a show of good faith to Caledonia area residents.” Mr. Hill also asserted that the occupation “has never been about pitting Six Nations people against Caledonia residents” (Katie Rook: NP A13; CP: WStar A9, ESun 7, KWS 15, EJ A5, Gaz A14; G&M A5; LFP A4).
Six Nations Spokesperson Clyde Powless noted that the occupiers have never intended to blockade ambulances. In return for the removal of the blockade the occupiers are asking the government for several concessions: a moratorium on development in Douglas Creek; decriminalization of First Nations actions in defending their lands; assuring the safety of protesters on the site; educating Ontarians and Caledonians about First Nations issues. Caledonia businessman Ken Hewitt, who represents a newly-formed group called the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, said the removal of the blockade is unsatisfactory and the entire occupation should be removed (Paul Legall: HS A8).
Thursday, May 18th: Five people charged in the police raid the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia were to appear in court. Representatives of the accused argued the court had no jurisdiction over them. Only one appeared. The other four have had arrest warrants issued against them (WFP A5; WSun 10, TSun 60; BE A5).
Six Nations residents were given an update on negotiations. They were asked in a survey: “If the safety of the on-site reclamation supporters could be assured, would you be in favour of removing (the) Highway 6 barricades?” There were also questions about whether the Six Nations band council should provide more financial support to the protest (Meredith Macleod: HS A8).
Columnist Murray Campbell: Former Ontario premier David Peterson walked into a dispute that illustrates the chasm between the First Nations and the colonists who came from abroad. Mr. Peterson is no longer sure he can solve the dispute, particularly since he cannot deal with frustrations over land claims. But he said he keeps going because he believes that Caledonia could be a flashpoint that would stain Canada's reputation (G&M A10).
Friday, May 19th: The Ontario government imposed a moratorium on development of the Douglas Creek Estates without informing developers Don and John Henning. The pair have filed a protest with the office of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay. Negotiator David Peterson also told the Six Nations that the province is also prepared to return title to a 540-acre parcel of land adjacent to current reserve land (John Burman and Meredith Macleod: HS A8).
An 18-year-old non-Aboriginal man with a pellet gun and camouflage gear created a disturbance behind the barricades in Caledonia. One of the occupiers, Mr. Brian Skye, said that some members of the group are now concerned with their safety (HS A8; Kate Harries: G&M A9).
Saturday, May 20th: The Ontario government has ordered a halt to construction on disputed land near Caledonia as a goodwill gesture to the Six Nations occupiers blockading the site. The length of the moratorium will be determined in talks between the provincial government, Ottawa and the Six Nations Confederacy (Oliver Moore: G&M A7).
The moratorium on development at a disputed subdivision in Caledonia has infuriated developers who say they are being left with little choice but to sell the land to the government (NP A8).
The developers who had hoped to build a subdivision in Caledonia now say they want out and demand the province buy them out at fair market value. A lawyer for the brothers, Michael Bruder, said that the moratorium was unprecedented. Mr. Bruder claimed that officials were deceptive about the existence of the agreement. Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay dismissed Mr. Bruder’s assertion and said the temporary moratorium is perfectly legal (Marissa Nelson: HS A3).
Ron Desrochers, an 18-year-old army reservist, claims he was abducted by the Six Nations occupiers, blindfolded, threatened with death, and marched out to provincial police an hour later with his hands still duct-taped behind him. Mr. Desrochers was arrested at the Caledonia Aboriginal blockade by the OPP Thursday evening for dangerous driving, but was released a few hours later without charge. An Aboriginal protester told a local TV station that Mr. Desrochers was “driving around like crazy” and narrowly missed protesters behind barriers before being arrested by volunteers (Brodie Fenlon: OSun 6).
CH Television has been fighting the OPP seizure of videotape it aired of a confrontation at the Aboriginal standoff in Caledonia. News director Mike Katrycz said the confiscation of the tape violates Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Carmela Fragomeni: HS A6).
Monday, May 22nd: One of the two blockades erected by occupiers has been scheduled to be dismantled by this morning, a move the protesters are calling a “show of good faith to Canada” (Greg McArthur: G&M A1).
Janie Jamieson, a spokesperson for the occupiers said a plan to remove a blockade of a major road near Hamilton has been put on hold. She said this is because a small group of non-Aboriginal residents are now preventing vehicles driven by Six Nations members from getting to the roadblock (LFP C4).
Tuesday, May 23rd: After initially removing the blockade in Caledonia, Six Nations occupiers re-erected it following confrontations with Caledonia residents. The confrontation was provoked when Caledonia residents erected their own barricade. Provincial mediator David Peterson said it was “heartbreaking” to see the sudden turn of events (Natalie Pona and Vivian Song: TSun 4, OSun 4, CSun 4, ESun 7; Phinjo Gombu: TStar A1; CP: Jennifer Graham: VProv A1, KWS 9, WSun 3, CH A5, VTC A4, HCH A2, HDN 9, CBP A1, CBWS 8, MTT C1, FDG A1; Matt Kruchak, Barb McKay and Marissa Nelson: HS A1; VProv A22; Colin Freeze and Oliver Moore: G&M A1; Michael-Allan Marion: BE A1; Marissa Nelson: KWR A1).
Mr. Peterson said that he fears another Oka or Ipperwash type incident in Caledonia. It was noted that Mr. Peterson has been preparing to turn the situation over to the official federal and provincial negotiation teams (Joan Walters: HS A1, TStar A6).
Premier Dalton McGuinty appealed for calm (CP: BE A1).
Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson said that they are unsure when the re-erected barricade may be removed (James Cowan: Ctz A3, Gaz A12, WStar C1, EJ A5, SSP A10, RLP A1, NP A1).
Some Caledonia residents said that those who clashed with the occupiers did the right thing. Others said the conflict set back efforts to remove the blockade (Barb McKay: TStar A6, HS A6).
A transformer near the middle of the protest area malfunctioned, leaving nearly 8,000 homes without power. A spokesperson for Hydro One said that on-going protests mean they have been unable to make necessary repairs. Rumours have circulated that the station was deliberately set on fire (Michele Henry and Natalie Pona: TSun 5, CSun 4).
A Hydro One spokesperson said the damage had been caused by vandalism (CP: Jennifer Graham: WFP A3, BE A1, LFP A1; Paul Choi: HS A7).
More than 30 Aboriginal protesters set up a two-hour blockade on a highway near North Battleford, Saskatchewan to show solidarity with the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia (Janani Gopal: SSP A1, RLP A10).
The Toronto Star included a history of recent developments in Caledonia (TStar A6).
Toronto Sun editorial: No one wants violence and it is unfortunate it happened on a day Mr. Peterson reported there had been major progress. But simply blaming the townspeople after five weeks of growing frustrations, inconvenience, traffic headaches, damaged roads and economic disruption would be unfair. Mr. McGuinty has appealed for calm. You want, calm, premier? Show us there is one law for everyone – Native and non-Native – that judges people based not on who they are, but on how they act (TSun 20).
Columnist Colleen Simard: The land rights dispute in Caledonia has offered a glimpse at a gaping abscess in mainstream thinking: the mis-education of Canada. People ask: How come Canada insists on "wasting" billions a year on Aboriginal people? Why do Aboriginal people have "special rights," anyway? Why should we keep paying? In the simplest terms, Canada is obligated to deals they made with Aboriginal peoples because they are the original residents of this country. If Canada wants out of the treaties, then let's do it. Perhaps then the landholders of Canada would once again become the Aboriginal nations (WFP A15).
Wednesday, May 24th: Caledonia residents claimed that the removal of the Six Nations blockade was brokered not by high-level government officials but by townspeople and Six Nations residents. Mr. Ken Hewitt, a spokesperson for the Caledonia Citizens Alliance group, blamed Monday's fighting on the lack of government action. Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay disputed claims about weak leadership and praised the work of mediator David Peterson. Mr. Prentice said that he would not be getting personally involved and that he is satisfied his mediators are doing a good job (Marissa Nelson: HS A6).
Mr. Prentice was quoted on recent developments in Caledonia: “I think that we have turned the corner. We're at the table, we'll continue to negotiate. But I think all Canadians ... will be encouraged we're on the right path marked by negotiations, patience and goodwill” (John Paul Zronik: BE A1).
The dismantling of the recent barricade in Caledonia was seen as a cautious, but constructive, step toward resolving a land-claim dispute and repairing strained relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson commented that with all of the time and effort spent on dealing with the barricades “the land issue hasn't even been touched.” It was noted that the occupation of the development site will continue (Natalie Alcoba: NP A5, Gaz A10, EJ A5, SSP B6, WStar A8, VSun A5, Ctz A3, RLP A3, CH A8; CP: Gregory Bonnell and Jennifer Graham: WFP A9, VProv A8, HCH A3, ESun 25, NBTJ A3, FDG A1, CG A8, HDN 10, WSun 16, KWR A3; Colin Freeze: G&M A6; Deirdre Healey: HS A1; Jessica Leeder and Richard Brennan: TStar A6; Natalie Pona and Vivian Song: TSun 2, CSun 7; John Miner: LFP A1).
Premier Dalton McGuinty said that he has no plans to ask Mr. Harper to send the army in to Caledonia. Mr. McGuinty praised mediator David Peterson for his efforts to resolve the dispute (Christina Blizzard: TSun 3).
A group in the Vancouver area, operating under the banner of the Six Nations Solidarity Network, is planning a response in support of the Ontario First Nations. Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs commented: “If we need to go out onto the highways and the rail lines and the bridges of this country to bring sense to that situation and compel governments to act, then we're prepared to do that” (VTC A10).
Ms. Doreen Silversmith, a member of the Feminist Organization for Women's Advancement, Rights and Dignity and a Caledonia resident, was one of five activists challenging the government to act on the recommendations made by a recent UN report. She asserted that Canada has been mistreating First Nations people for decades (Sagal Ali: TSun 38).
Mr. Imer Brahimir, a Caledonia resident who was photographed engaging in a fist-fight with a Six Nations occupier, stated that he blames lawmakers for not dealing with the land claim dispute before it blew up (Jessica Leeder: TStar A1).
Ms. Sandra Muse, a Six Nations resident, said that the fighting on Monday was the boiling over of tensions between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents of the area (Richard Brennan: TStar A6).
Reporter Vivian Song profiled three members of the security team at the Six Nation occupation site (TSun 3).
An Ottawa Sun reader’s poll asked: “Do you think Caledonia residents are to blame for this latest unrest?” The results: 28%: Yes, the protest was clearly winding down; 72%: No, they've been put through too much (OSun 8).
Brantford Expositor editorial: A quick settlement is needed to start healing the wounds (BE A8).
Montreal Gazette editorial: When any group in society decides that it can ignore the law, to its own profit, government must, in the name of the whole society, assert itself. If one group's defiance of the law is greeted with deference by foolishly timid political authorities, the law falls into disrespect. So when non-Aboriginals in Caledonia vent their frustrations with the same tactics who can blame them? Enforce the law, Premier McGuinty, before this gets any worse (Gaz A20).
National Post editorial: There is no high ground in Caledonia. Events on Victoria Day showcased some appalling behaviour on both sides of the land-claims dispute. Cooler heads have prevailed. But for how long? When blocking roads and committing acts of violence and vandalism are considered legitimate responses to a grievance then the threat will always remain (NP A18).
Ottawa Sun editorial: It is tough to get down to negotiating with Aboriginal protesters in Caledonia as long as they continue flouting the law (OSun 10).
Toronto Star editorial: The recent violence may well be a foreshadowing of the more serious trouble that lies ahead unless government and Aboriginal leaders bring a sense of urgency to resolving this dispute. This issue has dragged on far too long. To prevent any further deterioration in relations between the Six Nations and local residents, both Aboriginal leaders and government negotiators should jump-start negotiations. One reasonable solution is for Queen's Park to purchase the disputed 100 acres of land from the developer and set it aside until a deal is reached. Sadly, none of this will heal the rift that conflict has opened in Caledonia between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal citizens (TStar A18).
Toronto Sun editorial: If only Premier McGuinty had been in as big a hurry to resolve the land claim dispute in Caledonia as he was to rush Finance Minister Greg Sorbara back into his cabinet. Perhaps local Aboriginal people and townspeople would not have been at each other's throats after five weeks of increasing anger and frustration on both sides (TSun 19).
Vancouver Province editorial: It is no surprise that Aboriginal leaders in B.C. should be keeping a close watch on events in Caledonia. A peaceful resolution to the Caledonia dispute is desirable, but it will not help matters if Natives precipitate action here (VProv A20).
Columnist Christie Blatchford: Caledonia resident Steve McBride commented that there are good and bad people on both sides of the dispute. With the removal of the barricades, the good guys won one (G&M A1).
Columnist Christina Blizzard: Premier Dalton McGuinty is learning the hard way that things that looked simple in opposition are way more complex in government. Case in point: Caledonia. This dispute is far from over. The fact remains that as long as you have one set of laws for one group in society and another for everyone else, you will never have peace in the land. When one group blocks roads, wears bandanas and waves baseball bats in order to get its way, it is called mob rule. It is time for the federal government and the province to tell Aboriginal leaders in Caledonia that “we’ve been patient.” We need troops in Caledonia (TSun 20, OSun 11).
Columnist Lee Prokaska: That the negotiation process in Caledonia was hijacked by hotheads is truly unfortunate and could have been deadly. This highly-charged atmosphere calls for strong leadership on all sides of the issue. Where is Mr. Harper and his government? Where is Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine? This dispute is between Aboriginal people and the federal government, yet the respective leaders are virtually invisible. Their silence is an abdication of responsibility (HS A17).
Columnist John Ibbitson: What is Caledonia? It is a fault line. These confrontations are going to multiply and escalate. And there is nothing that can be done to stop them (G&M A7).
Columnist Thomas Walkom: It was frustration that caused Caledonia residents to erect their own barricade after the Six Nations barricade was removed (TStar A6).
Columnist Ron Wilkinson: The OPP is required under the Police Services Act to uphold the laws of Ontario, yet its officers allow lawlessness to occur daily, whether it is the blocking of roads, burning of bridges or turning a blind eye to many illegal acts by some. The OPP has totally bungled this situation from the get-go (HS A17).
Thursday, May 25th: Reporter Mike Oliveira analyzed the land-claim negotiations which are to follow the removal of the blockade in Caledonia. It was noted that Six Nations occupiers have said they will not leave the site until the issue is resolved. However, it was added that land claims have taken, in general, ten years to resolve. The analysis also noted that the lawyer for the developers said they are not worried because they own a certificate of title to the land (CP: HS A7, EJ A5, WFP A6, CG B8, LFP C8, KWR D8, CBWS 7, FDG A7).
Ontario plans to offer an assistance program for Caledonia businesses affected by the on-going occupation. Caledonia councillor Craig Ashbaugh said the federal government should consider cutting off funding for the Six Nations until the occupation is ended. Provincial mediator Jane Stewart downplayed the suggestion. Prime Minister Stephen Harper dismissed suggestions that the federal government has not been involved in the dispute. However, he stressed that it is a provincial matter (Daniel Nolan: HS A1, KWR D8).
Caledonia area developers claim that they are helpless and their prospects for future developments are frozen until the province bails them out. However, other developers said the occupation has not hurt housing prices in the area. The article noted Mr. Harper’s comments about government involvement (Jessica Leeder: TStar A16).
First Nation claims to the Grand River has slowed but not stopped plans for a new bridge between Kitchener and Cambridge. Waterloo city councillors hope to secure Aboriginal approval (Jeff Outhit: KWR A1).
Mr. Harper said that he has no intentions of visiting the site of the occupation and asserted that there is only a limited role in negotiations for the federal government. It was noted that Mr. Harper did not bring up the issue during a recent speech in London about the government’s accomplishments (Gloria Galloway: G&M A5).
Demonstrators outside the centre where Mr. Harper spoke raised many issues, including the on-going occupation (Kate Dubinski: LFP A8).
Power, as well as calm, has been returned to the Caledonia area (Natalie Pona: TSun 6).
Tensions remain high in Caledonia (Matt Kruchak: HS A6).
The damage to a vandalized transformer near Caledonia has been estimated at $1.5 million (Susan Gamble: BE A3).
Reporter Marissa Nelson profiled Jim Meyer, the non-Aboriginal citizen who exchanged a branch of peace with an Aboriginal representative. Mr. Meyer said that he wants the area to heal and for both sides to forgive and forget (HS A6).
A Toronto Sun reader’s poll asked: “Has the Ontario government done enough in recent weeks to end the Caledonia dispute?” The results: Yes: 9%; No: 91% (TSun 25).
Brantford Expositor editorial: The dispute in Caledonia has radiated out to affect neighbouring communities. We trust that, when the Caledonia dispute is settled, healing will spread in a similar way (BE A8).
London Free Press editorial: Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has been happy to off-load the Caledonia crisis to former premier David Peterson and to the police (LFP A10).
Columnist Susan Gamble: It was the calming action of the peacemakers – over the yahoos – that defused the situation in Caledonia (BE A3).
Columnist Lee Prokaska: Demonstration of goodwill on both sides of the barricade gives hope that there can be peace in Caledonia again, even though very difficult land claims issues remain to be settled between Aboriginal people and the federal government. There is the potential for better relations between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people (HS A17).
Letter writer Mike Strobel: We live in a land of laws. In some cases those laws are different for Aboriginal people and so they should be. This does not extend to holding a town hostage. To resolve the numerous and on-going land disputes we should look to New Zealand where the Waitangi Tribunal helps resolve disputes between the Maori and non-Maori. If the government does not deal with these matters people will get killed and the army will have to be deployed (TSun 6).
Christina Blizzard’s column about sending the army to Caledonia was repeated (LFP A11).
Friday, May 26th: Caledonia mediator David Peterson said Ottawa has the biggest role to play in the on-going occupation. This contradicted Prime Minister Stephen Harper who claimed it is a provincial matter. Ken Hewitt, a spokesperson for the Caledonia Citizens Alliance said it was “ludicrous” for Mr. Harper to say it is a provincial issue, when the land claims are clearly federal. Mr. Hewitt also criticized MP Diane Finley for not paying enough attention to the issue. Ms. Finley defended herself and said that the land claim has “been advanced.” She added that she is in “constant communication” with Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice. It was noted that Ms. Finley has been in regular contact with the developers and Caledonia’s mayor but has not been in contact with anyone from Six Nations. A group of McMaster academics released a list of recommendations on the issue, including the maintenance of the moratorium on development on Douglas Creek Estates. Ms. Dawn Hill, academic director of McMaster's Indigenous Studies Program, called the process for resolving land claims “inept” (Marissa Nelson: HS A3).
The Ontario government promised businesses that suffered financially from the occupation $500,000 in aid. Some coverage noted Mr. Harper’s insistence that the matter is provincial (CP: TStar A4, WFP A6, WStar A11, EJ A5, BE A1, VTC A5, CG A9, TSun 30, LFP B10, ESun 38, CBWS 8, KWR A3).
A spokesperson with the Caledonia Citizens’ Alliance said that more assistance will be needed (Matt Kruchak and Daniel Nolan: HS A1).
Members of the Caledonia Citizens’ Alliance believe the OPP has been taking sides in the land dispute. They complained that the police force has been “just standing by.” Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson insisted that the occupiers would not obey Canadian laws if it meant giving up their cause (Paul Choi: HS A3).
Several McMaster University professors are calling on governments to settle land claims as a means to finding lasting solutions to Aboriginal-non-Aboriginal conflicts. The group called for more education about Aboriginal issues and history, and urged the media to investigate beyond the Caledonia conflict (Susan Gamble: BE A7).
Caledonia remains in a state of emergency in order to monitor the power supply while repairs to a damaged power station continue (Susan Gamble: BE A3).
Letter writer Rachel Geise: I am not surprised that so many people disapprove of the blockade. But I am astonished by how little sympathy there has been for the protesters. This situation is about a lot of things, including long-simmering frustrations with the federal government. But the heart of this dispute is land. Imagine if Caledonia residents had to wait ten years to resolve their complaints about the blockade. Then they may understand where the Six Nations occupiers are coming from (TSun 23).
Dr. C. Lloyd Brown-John, professor of public administration at the University of Windsor: The federal and Ontario governments have to do better on this Caledonia file than they have been. Let us get serious about a negotiated result (WStar A8).
Kitchener-Waterloo Record editorial: No one should doubt that building a new bridge over the Grand River is important to this region. But it is equally important for people to have patience, talk in good faith and honestly co-operate to resolve any outstanding disputes. So far the region and Six Nations are travelling down the right path together (KWR A8).
Saturday, May 27th: Power has been fully restored to Caledonia and surrounding area following a blackout caused by vandalism, but Haldimand County has kept a state of emergency in place until Hydro One has fixed a backup transformer (Daniel Nolan: HS A5).
Bob Aaron, a Toronto real estate lawyer: The land dispute in Caledonia has created such a riff between the town and Aboriginal population in the area that things could possibly never return to the way they used to be: peaceful and respectful (TStar K10).
Dianne Rinehart, a Toronto-based writer and editor: Both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal citizens need to recognize open peace as an option to solve the ongoing dispute over the contested land (HS D23).
Monday, May 29th: Costs of the Caledonia blockade have been tallied in excess of $12 million. Policing costs alone are estimated at $10 million, with more for property damage and losses for businesses in the town and other expenses. Costs are expected to rise. The occupiers said that it costs them $18,000 a month in supplies (Paul Choi: HS A1).
A concert in the Caledonia area to raise money for the occupation is also intended to create unity among the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents of the area (Susan Gamble: BE A3).
Reporter Anthony Reinhart profiled several Caledonia residents who are concerned about future relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal citizens of the area (G&M A11).
Brantford Expositor editorial: Haldimand Mayor Marie Trainer has claimed that it was members of the Six Nations that vandalized the transformer. She has no evidence. She should keep her mouth shut. Her off-the-cuff remarks hurt the healing that has begun between Six Nations and its neighbours (BE A9).
Letter writer John Downing: The police should be ordered to stop siding with those erecting barricades (TSun 19).
James Howden, a freelance writer and former Caledonia resident: Peace is possible (HS A17).
Dianne Rinehart: The blame for the continued poverty on Aboriginal reserves rests with today’s leaders, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. The fact that a resolution in the Caledonia stand-off was reached by ordinary people gives us hope that there can be peace (HS D23).
Tuesday, May 30th: Ontario Superior Court Justice David Marshall is demanding provincial police and the province explain why they have not enforced his order to end the Six Nations occupation in Caledonia. Justice Marshall also called on the Six Nations elected band council and the traditional confederacy chiefs to appear. However, he acknowledged that the confederacy has not responded to the jurisdiction of the court (Paul Legall: HS A1, TStar A14, WStar C1; CP: CG A5, BE A5, EJ A5, LFP B3, OSun 19, TSun 30, SSP B6).
Haldimand County will today provide $500,000 to businesses that have suffered because of the Six Nations barricade. One business made a point of noting that it has no connection with Ken Hewitt, the head of the Caledonia Citizens’ Alliance (Marissa Nelson: HS A5).
Brant MPP Dave Levac said that Caledonia businesses can expect further assistance (John Paul Zronik: BE A3).
Crystal Sowden, Wolf Clan, Six Nations, in a letter: I propose that we Six Nations people still boycott the businesses of Caledonia (BE A10).
Six Nations Confederacy Chief Arnie General said that Brant country should accept that Six Nations is the rightful owner of land six miles on either side of the Grand River. The confederacy has asked that any planning decisions are delayed until they can offer input. The county's chief planning official, David Johnston, said the planning committee was not obliged to grant the Confederacy's request to delay its decisions. He also said they have no veto power over any decision (John Paul Zronik: BE A1).
Wednesday, May 31st: Reporter Deirdre Healey profiled two of the businesses that received provincial funding to relieve the losses caused by the Six Nations occupation. Six Nations spokesperson Janie Jamieson supported the funding because she said it is the government’s fault “and they should be accountable.” However, she said on-reserve businesses have also been hurt and should be eligible for compensation (HS A9; CP: BE A5).
Columnist Christina Blizzard: The on-going dispute in Caledonia is evidence of weak leadership in the Ontario government. Do we not elect governments to deal with crises? (TSun 21).
Letter writer Kevin Cavanagh: The land claim in Caledonia will likely take years to resolve. However, citizens deserve a more expeditious and open examination into disturbing questions about when the laws of this country and province should be enforced, when they should not be, and who should make that decision (HS A17).
Alan Taylor, professor of North American history at the University of California at Davis: The relationship between Six Nations people and non-Aboriginals forged by Thayendenegea, also known as Joseph Brant, could offer insights into resolving the dispute in Caledonia. Brant held a festival in 1798 where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people were united in a partnership that married development with justice (G&M A19).
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