verbena-19

Six Nations Update - August 11th, 2006

Good Morning from Grand River.

It's been a few days [August 8] since Justice Marshall made his [phony] ruling that the contempt of court orders must be upheld, and that negotiations were to stop until the people and the barricades have been removed from the site. This created quite a stir within the Six Nations as well as within the [nearby] town of Caledonia. That same night the residents of Caledonia vented. They came [to the repossessed site] and gathered within about 40' of the main entrance.

Our people had gathered at the fire earlier in the evening. We decided that we would wait for them to return on August 23rd as originally planned. All of the side table meetings that had been scheduled were cancelled until further notice. The people felt that for security and safety reasons, the main entrance into the site should be blocked to protect the people.

The hydro tower that had been removed on July 11th was brought back onto the front entrance. The caledonia people probably thought the roads would be blocked again. That's when rushed toward the site. The Ontario Provincial Police had to form their human line again between the Caledonia mob, and the Six Nations people. There were lots of racial comments tossed around and stones at the Six Nations people. The fire hydrant hose was turned on and aimed at the Caledonia mob to cool them down.

A unity flag was taken by a young woman from caledonia. When the OPP tried to stop her, she slapped the officer and was taken into custody. We don't know if any charges were laid. We were informed that the person who sprayed the people with the hydrant hose would be being charged. Go figure, eh! This is the most frustrating. We've had over 50 charges laid against our people to date. While Caledonia people are crying that nothing is being done about the "terrorism", how many Caledoina people have been charged with racial violence and terroristic acts of hatred against our people? We, news cameras and the OPP have taped them. None have resulted in charges against them.

Things quieted down by 1:30 a.m. All Caledonians had gone home. It's been relatively quiet again since then. We have stepped up the security so none of our neighbours can incite any more violence.

The Caledonia Citizens Alliance (CCA) fnded by the government had previously indicated that their rallies were going to start again if the OPP and the government weren't going to remove us from our land. We often remind Caledonians and the rest of the world that this is NOT a Six Nations vs. Caledonia problem! It is between Six Nations and the Crown. The CCA continually try to fan the flames of racism. They want violence so the opp or other forces can come in and remove us from our land. So far, PEACE has prevailed. Even though they have created incidents, our security and the people have prevented the escalation of violence.

On Wednesday, the Attorney General of Ontario, along with the Canadian and Ontario representatives of the Crown announced that they are appealing Justice Marshalls decision. We all want peaceful talks tp continue. On August 23rd we are all to have our documentation available and ready to begin. Finally!!!! Lets get the proof on the table! We know what we have, now show us what you've got.

The Youth Camp is starting next week for 15 days. There will be teachings on i) wampum identification and history, ii) storytelling from the Creation Story and Great Law iii) History: where we came from & migration to Grand River iv) knowing your clan and roles and responsibilites v) self discipline techniques vi) men's roles vii) women's roles viii) human and legal rights, as well as Peace Power and Righteousness. We will be working within the arts of lacrosse, dingball, rattle and drum making, soapstone carving, painting and drawing, beading, making mocassins and sewing. These are the areas in which the youth have shown an interest.

The program is being supported by the elected band council. We want to ensure the many many supporters that we are here, that our position has not changed and we are maintaining peace on the land. If there are any further developments on the appeal, or on the land, we will inform you as soon as possible. Nya Weh!

In Peace, Light and Love, Hazel

NOTICE TO OUR SISTERS, BROTHERS, FRIENDS & ALLIES - FINANCES URGENTLY NEEDED: We are here to stay at Kanenstaton, our repossessed land. The cold weather and winter are coming and we are staying here. We are building an "Embassy/Information Center". We need funds to carry on for: legal expenses; to set up an office with phone and internet line, photocopier and computer. We need food; gas; generator fuel; materials for winterizing ten houses (roofing, dry wall, plumbing, electricial, siding, windows, doors, flooring, paint, furnaces, kitchen/laundry/bathroom appliances and materials); radios for communication; wood for the fire; gas and upkeep of our patrol vehicles; and winter clothes.

We invite you to come help us build our community. Call 905-517-7006; 519-445-0719; 905-765-9316.

Nia:wen. Send checks to Janie Jamieson, RR#6, Hagersville (Ontario, Canada) N0A 1H0; or deposit directly into Bank of Montreal account: transit #3752 Account #3011-285. Contact Hazel at thebasketcase@on.aibn.com

Posted by MNN Mohawk Nation News, visit MNN Mohawk Nation News for updates on Mohawk issues.

posted by Annamarie at 11:39 PM