The downtown Victoria Park is expected to be ground zero this morning for political rallies organized by natives and non-natives, while across the street lawyers fight a legal battle in Superior Court over stopping land claims protests by Six Nations Confederacy activists.
Coming are supporters of Floyd and Ruby Montour, leaders of an activist group that has shut down work at construction sites across the city, who are also the focus of a city injunction being south in the court across the street to stop their activities.
Also coming are non-aboriginals who hope to hold a "peace rally" with the natives.
And protester Gary McHale of Caledonia fame is expected to bring an entourage to protest against illegal activities in the land claims dispute and the alleged failure of police and the provincial government to stop them.
It will all take place around a statue to Thayendanegea - Mohawk chief Joseph Brant. who set up Six Nations after an alliance with the British in the American War of Independence and was rewarded with lands in the Haldimand Tract that are the subject of the land claims dispute.
"Yes, great numbers are expected," city Coun. James Calnan, the acting mayor, said Thursday.
"They will be around the statue of Joseph Brant. That's an appropriate and deeply symbolic place to have a rally.
"Our city police are prepared to keep the public peace and we have every faith in their ability to do so."
Police will not comment on operational matters concerning enforcement at the rallies, other than to say their commitment is to keep the peace and ensure public safety.
Native organizers say they are committed to supporting peaceful protest and want nothing to do with violence.
Josh Bean, one of the organizers of the peace rally, said he hopes his group's intentions will help foster greater understanding between the Six Nations and Brantford communities.