Re: "Violence erupts at Caledonia protest; Protester Gary McHale and another person injured; OPP says charges are pending and every legal remedy will be sought 'to end this madness'" (Dec. 3)
Last week I wrote Michael Bryant, provincial minister of aboriginal affairs, a letter following his visit to the Caledonia area. Since that time there has been more violence and increased tension as a result of smoke shacks locating on the disputed Plank Road.
One of my key points to Bryant was the effect the negotiation process was having on Caledonia, the Six Nations and Haldimand County. While most of us realized this would be a slow process and a solution was not going to come quickly, you have to wonder how successful this process can be. Both sides are entrenched in history and their position on the sale or lease of the lands in question. While government representatives continue to put a positive spin on negotiations, the reality is the general public has seen no progress and has lost a great deal of faith in the negotiations. The stalemate in the on again off again negotiations has contributed greatly to the increased tension and violence.
The negotiating committee has an opportunity to demonstrate goodwill and show some positive signs of progress by coming to an agreement to voluntarily vacate the Douglas Creek Estates lands and allow the province to complete the clean up of the property. A simple guardrail can prevent entrance to the property. I know this suggestion has been discounted by both the provincial and federal governments, however there is no other short-term solution that would have a more significant impact. This would alleviate a lot of the concern and tension of the residents in the area. It would assist struggling business owners in Haldimand County and the Six Nations.
More importantly, it would send a message to the residents of Ontario and Canada that everyone involved is serious about working together in resolving a long list of outstanding issues.
It is time for less rhetoric and more results. It is time to take responsibility and be accountable. And finally it is time to set aside the bureaucratic mess and allow the development of a solution that will allow us to stand side by side and be proud of.