Saturday, September 01, 2007 - 07:00
Brantford Expositor
Editorial - Mike Quattrociocchi is on the agenda for today's meeting of the Six Nations Confederacy Council at the Onondaga longhouse. The builder and former city councillor will discuss a stop-work order on a Brantford project that he received verbally from two groups of natives last week.
Mike Q. isn't the only builder on the agenda. Apparently, there are others, however, he is the one who has gone public about his situation.
On Aug. 23, a group of natives visited his building site on Grand River Avenue and warned it is subject to native land claim. The next day more natives, including prominent activists Ruby and Floyd Montour and Stan Farmer, asked Quattrociocchi to stop work on four duplexes that he plans to offer for rent.
Quattrociocchi agreed to stop work until today when he will meet with the Confederacy Council.
Mike Q. is perplexed and concerned. Earlier, he had written to the Confederacy about his project and assumed there was no problem. As a small builder, he cannot afford a serious delay.
How the council treats him will send a message to Brantford about the Confederacy's approach to land claims.
The Confederacy represents Six Nations in land claims talks that began last year after natives occupied (or reclaimed) the Douglas Creek Estates.
In recent months, natives have stepped up their campaign for a resolution of land claims. They have distributed pamphlets at the casino, which is on disputed land. They have demonstrated at housing developments in Cainsville and West Brant and have shut down a project in Hagersville. Last week they came calling on Quattrociocchi.
The Confederacy seeks recognition as a legitimate force with authority over development in the Grand River valley.
Developers are put in a difficult position. Many, including Quattrociocchi would like to co-operate, but what are the rules?
What are developers supposed to do? Whom do they talk to? Two groups visited Quattrociocchi. Were they connected?
What happens if builders can't afford to shut down projects? Will natives show consideration for their neighbours' right to earn a living?
Government and Six Nations negotiators need to settle land claims throughout the Grand River valley.
Individual builders like Mike Quattrociocchi don't deserve to be caught in the middle.