By Bill Jackson
Sometimes the line between positive and negative is very fine.
Reporting on native land claims, the possibility of protests, as well as rallies and barbecues that draw the scrutiny of many community members is often scorned, and some people would rather go on with life as if none of these stories were happening at all.
Hardly anyone showed up at a Queen's Park rally this past weekend that was organized by a
Of course, not all is negative in Haldimand these days. If you flip through the pages in this week's edition of The Regional News there are many positive stories about successful shows and other community celebrations being planned for the future. Some organizers of these worthwhile events might not want to be mentioned in the same breath with articles pertaining to land claims and protests. But in the end, whether it's a happy community event or a developer being blocked from earning a living, we're all in it together. Aren't we?
Last week in Cayuga, at least two local residents from a nearby subdivision got angry with fellow Haldimand residents from coming out to support a developer who had been threatened by natives protesting his development which was approved back in 2005.
These residents blamed non-natives for inflaming the situation and only making matters worse. However, in a few short hours, after no natives showed up at the site, everyone left. Perhaps these residents can be thankful that a native protest hasn't continued to 26 months in their backyards. At least not yet.
The mayor and two local councilors – Craig Grice and Leroy Bartlett – were at the site to support the developer who said that he's the only one who puts food on his family's table.
The question we might ask ourselves is: How can we go on living in ignorant bliss on our back patio when others who are the base and fabric of our communities continue to suffer next door?
Merlyn Kinrade who organized the rally to Queen's Park last weekend used to own several businesses in Caledonia and donated to many community causes, including local sports teams. Many people have now stopped talking to him and his phone has stopped ringing for part time plumbing work he still does.
The same goes for local builder Ray Robitaille who said he no longer knows if people are smiling at him or are carrying a knife, waiting to stab him in the back. Robitaille still supports community sports teams and other community events, although his business has been greatly affected by development protests and the resulting fear that goes along with them. The windows he used to finish homes on
Of course, not everyone agrees with the exact same views as their neighbours, all of the time. But when will Haldimand join together and speak with a unified voice? Better yet, when will all communities in the watershed do the same?
As for the developers and businesses who are jumping on board these days and asking for help, one might wonder where they were 24 months ago? And where are those who were involved 24 months ago, today? Many are no longer visible, let alone vocal.
Haldimand residents have often criticized native factions for failing to speak with one voice, but Haldimand is not different.
There are several community organizations trying to deal with the state of affairs including CANACE, the
Perhaps what Haldimand needs is some leadership for a cause that everyone can support, so we can put the strife inflicted by native land claims behind us one, and for all.