Well the
blockades are up, and Shawn Brant is flaunting the fact that he has firearms ready in the camp.
I see
some bloggers are not overly enthused about the AFN's National Day of Action, but I think we need to differentiate between the hotheads like Brant, and the other more peaceful protesters.
In fact, National Leader of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Patrick Brazeau was on CBC Newsworld this morning, attempting to make it clear that the majority of First Nations chiefs and aboriginals do not condone Shawn Brant's actions.
Seriously ladies, would any of you really have a problem with
Chief Brazeau protesting in your town? Another great link here -
Native leaders divided on use of blockades. (H/T
Jack's Newswatch).
Update: Just caught an interview on Newsworld with Shawn Brant. He and Fantino are obviously not the best of friends. He said that Fantino accused him of using the deaths of aboriginal children as a way to further his agenda. Brant told reporters that this is intensely personal for him because his wife lost a pregnancy of two twin girls due to an 'accident' while drawing water from a well. So he obviously blames the ROC for the loss of his two infant daughters, due to the fact that they had no running water and his pregnant wife had to go and haul water from a well.
While giving the interview, his supporters were milling around in the background with bandannas covering everything but their eyes. Why the bandannas? Why wouldn't they be proud enough to show their faces?
Road closures: If you're travelling to an Ontario cottage today, maybe better read
this first.
9:05 a.m.
Newstalk 570 has just reported that a deal has been reached between the natives and OPP to reopen the 401. Details to follow.
Star - It's official -
Deal reached to reopen 401.
Star -
Protest leader happy with results.
OPP
Road Closures site here - Not sure how up to date it is.
Major Update: Brant says he'll turn himself in at the end of the day -
CBC. I believe the charge is mischief.
Stephen Taylor -
Day of Action a Success?
Lots of opinion here at CBC -
Your view.
Patrick Brazeau's blog
here!