Frustration bubbled over in this small town yesterday, as Six Nations people, angered by the lack of progress at the negotiation table, occupied another subdivision.
The incident doesn't bode well for June 29, when aboriginal people across the country plan to hold a day of action. Negotiators for the federal government have said they're trying to get an offer on two Six Nations land claims hammered out by next week.
Clyde Powless, a spokesperson for the hereditary chiefs, said Canada was involved in "two-faced negotiations" because -- like the subdivision in this town -- they continue to allow development on lands that are being negotiated. "This ain't going to stop. Our people are getting sick of it," he said. "We haven't seen any results and this is the result of that lack of results."
Yesterday, about two dozen natives protested on a Hagersville property where 85 townhomes are planned. The protesters arrived at 7 a.m. but left around 3:30 p.m. after the developer moved all of his equipment off the site. Both sides agreed they would leave and negotiate at a later date.
"Our government has to take responsibility and settle these claims. My life savings are tied up in this," said Dan Valentini, the Stoney Creek developer who owns the property. "More and more people are getting hurt -- on both sides. We can't keep going on like this."
Work began on the site five to six weeks ago and homes were to be occupied by the fall. But that plan appeared to be falling apart yesterday.
"This isn't very good advertising," Valentini said. He said outstanding land claims are causing a crisis in the development world. He bought the former school site because it was outside the disputed land 10 kilometres either side of the Grand River. But native protesters at the site yesterday said it is still within the Plank Road land claim, filed in 1987, and therefore disputed property.
John Almas, part-owner of the construction company installing sewers, said the 50 workers would be laid off until further notice.
The province sent two of its negotiators to Hagersville yesterday, but called off a side-table meeting. They will be at main table talks next week.