Warriors brace for police force

Thu, June 28, 2007
London Free Press

Expect 'fallout' if violence is used at a planned blockade.

By JORGE BARRERA, SUN MEDIA NATIONAL BUREAU

OTTAWA -- Native warriors across the country plan to keep a close eye on tomorrow's events near Deseronto in case police attempt forceful tactics to stop Mohawk blockade plans.

The political manoeuvring of Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine and other band chiefs to distance themselves from blockades has left the Tyendinaga Mohawks seemingly alone in the runup to the proclaimed native day of action.

"They are not alone," said one well-connected source outside Tyendinaga. "Warriors from across the country are keeping an eye on it."

Fontaine issued a news release yesterday calling blockade statements by Mohawk spokesperson Shawn Brant "isolated comments" that "do not reflect the position" of the AFN "or the First Nations across the country."

Highway 401, the CN rail line and the town of Deseronto are possible targets for the Mohawks. Deseronto is near Belleville between Toronto and Ottawa.

Despite the AFN's public disavowal, authorities should think twice before using force against Tyendinaga or any other native community, says Teyowisonte, secretary for the Kahnawake Mohawk Warriors society.

"If violence is used against the people at Tyendinaga or anywhere there is going to be fallout," he said. "We would not think too highly of (police use of force)," said Rarahkwisere of the Akwesasne Warrior Society, adding it is up to the clan mothers to decide on a reaction. "In the event someone gets hurt, the politics of the AFN go out the window and the grassroots people come together," said David Dennis, vice-president of the United Native Nations in B.C. and former member of the disbanded West Coast Warrior Society.

"The same thing happened at Oka, Burnt Church and Caledonia." Roseau River First Nations Chief Terry Nelson, whose community called off a rail blockade, said they will be watching events near the rail line. "We will react if there is violence against anybody across the country," said Nelson.