March 13, 2007
by Joseph Quesnel
First Perspective
Government negotiations over the disputed Caledonia site in southern Ontario broke off late last week after officials stated that that Six Nations involved need to resolve their own internal differences first. The issue came to a head after Six Nations Chief David General was prevented from entering negotiations by other Six Nations negotiators. Chief General has clashed with many community members over his opposition to the Caledonia standoff.
Ontario Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Ramsay stated that he also has evidence of division within the community over the issue, lamenting the lack of consensus on the Aboriginal side.
Ramsay has said he will allow those involved from the Six Nations to resolve the issue themselves, although he said he hoped it will not prolong the negotiations much longer.
Six Nations, like many other First Nation communities, faces serious problems over conflicts between elected band councils, governed by the Indian Act, and traditional forms of governance.