June 28, 2007
Hamilton Spectator
Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer says Caledonia residents have been watching apprehensively over the last few days as cars with Quebec and American licence plates have driven onto the occupied site, swelling the number of people there.
Her concerns were voiced in advance of Friday's Aboriginal days of action, when natives across the country will protest against lack of action to resolve native land claims and other unresolved issues.
An aboriginal spokeswoman said Thursday morning that a small group of about 15 people planned to meet Friday at the Caledonia site that Six Nations members have occupied for more than a year and that they will say prayers that demonstrators across the country would be kept safe.
Caledonia is on high alert but Trainer said everyone was hoping the day would go by without any of the violent clashes the occupation has sparked in the past.
“I’m sure there will be a couple of spots that are hot but I’m hoping ours isn’t,” Trainer said. “I’m hoping clear minds will prevail.”
That same hope is being expressed by Canada's premiers and territorial leaders said in a joint statement hours before the national day of action was set to begin.
The statement notes that Canadian aboriginals are understandably disappointed and frustrated with past injustices but urged that Friday's day of action should be peaceful and reflective.
“Together with other Canadians, we respect the right of Canada's First Nations leadership to organize a national day of action,” said the statement, signed by every premier and territorial leader with the exception of British Columbia and Nunavut.
“We are mindful of past injustices that have fuelled disappointment and frustration for too long within Aboriginal communities. At the same time, it is also a day to pause and reflect on the very real progress we are making in addressing long-standing First Nation demands and in raising the quality of lift for First Nations people.”
The statement goes on to urge organizers of Friday’s national day of action to ensure “all actions are peaceful and law-abiding.”
While most national and regional chiefs have called for peaceful demonstrations, there are concerns some communities may resort to illegal measures such as highway or railway blockades.
Via Rail is taking the threat seriously and has warned passengers about possible delays if blockades appear.
Ontario is bracing for a possible blockade in the eastern community of Deseronto which could bring one of the province’s key highways and rail lines to a halt.
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said he’s spoken to Ontario aboriginal leaders and everyone agrees the day should go ahead “without incident.” Friday is about grievances aboriginal communities have with the federal government, he said, not the province.
“I remain hopeful that this national day of action will proceed in a peaceful and respectful way,” said McGuinty, adding it will be up to provincial police to deal with any blockades or illegal activity.