Court-imposed restrictions against local protesters could mean the local Day of Action may be more about inaction, according to one local Mohawk protester.
Dan Doreen told The Intelligencer Thursday's Assembly of First Nations National Day of Action is not likely to be as dramatic as last year's, considering so many protesters have been instructed not to participate in any such demonstrations or rallies following recent events in the Deseronto area.
"We've been on a Day of Action for, like, a month or more. One Day of Action called by the AFN, who is not here to support us when we're all up on charges, probably isn't something we're going to relate to," Doreen said Tuesday.
The National Day of Action, called by AFN Chief Phil Fontaines, is aimed at raising awareness and understanding about the struggles faced by First Nations communities. Last year's event resulted in the CN Rail line being closed just east of Belleville as well as Highway 401 being closed down by provincial police after local Mohawks had threatened they would shut the highway down.
Doreen said such actions are not likely for Thursday's event.
"That would probably be the call," he said. "All of our guys are up on charges and conditions and to go on an AFN call and go against those conditions and get us all thrown back in jail isn't something we really want to do."
Not being able to participate in the Day of Action is frustrating, Doreen admitted. He said should any protests be staged he is hoping everyone has a good day and, though he would "love to participate" it's not worth the risks.
Doreen said he has not heard of any other Mohawk protesters planning to stage a demonstration locally on Thursday. Should something occur, however, he's hoping they are successful and no one is injured.
Last year the Mohawks of The Bay of Quinte were also out and about on the Day of Action handing out pamphlets to motorists. This year, however, there will be no one handing out information sheets along area roadways.
Chief R. Donald Maracle said this year the band council is planning a more "low key" approach to getting its message out. The information will still make its way into the public's hands but through different means.
"Council is going to run an ad in the paper about the Culbertson Land Tract and that type of thing," Maracle said.
Representatives from the council are also scheduled to appear on the Lorne Brooker Show on CJBQ 800-AM Thursday morning and information will be posted on the band's website to help spread the message.
Maracle said the band felt such approaches would be better and more considerate of residents considering events in the area over the past few months.
"It's going to be pretty low key," he said. "The community's been put through a lot of tension. We felt something that lends itself to educating the public rather than something confrontational would be more appropriate."
Maracle said he did not feel comfortable making any comments on potential standoffs or demonstrations. He said those matters are currently before the courts and it would be inappropriate to comment on any possible moves by protesters.
Doreen said even though those protesters likely won't be visible on Thursday they still have a strong voice. The message from that voice, he said, isn't changing.
"I want to tell every developer to stay the hell out of Deseronto. I'm not going out to protest on an AFN call but believe you me, if some developer comes into Deseronto I will be there," he said.