Caledonia residents protest province's inaction

CBC News: http://www.cbc.ca/news
Last updated Jun 21 2006 12:25 PM EDT

[SISIS note: The following mainstream news article is provided for reference only, as an example of how mainstream media treats indigenous resistance to genocide. Mainstream media often presents biased and distorted information, lacking pertinent facts and/or context. Inclusion of this article on our site should not be considered an endorsement by SISIS.]

About 100 Caledonia residents went to Queen's Park on Wednesday to protest the province's handling of a native land-claim dispute at a construction site near Hamilton.

There have been several clashes between aboriginal protesters and local residents in Caledonia since natives from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory first occupied the Douglas Creek Estates housing development on Feb. 28.

The protesters at Queen's Park said the rule of law has been abandoned in their community when it comes to dealing with the aboriginal protesters.

Premier Dalton McGuinty met with several members of the group Wednesday morning to hear their concerns.

"I talked about what we've done so far, and I just heard them out," McGuinty said. "There was no intention that on the basis of a brief meeting that I make specific commitments."

The Ontario Provincial Police have been criticized for its lack of action during a number of flare-ups near the occupied housing development.

Caledonia residents have expressed concern about their safety and questioned whether police are protecting them.

The protesters are urging the provincial government to settle the ongoing land dispute once and for all.

Last week, Ontario announced it has purchased the disputed land from the housing developer, Henco Industries.

Aboriginal protester arrested

In another development Wednesday, provincial police arrested a man in connection with a violent clash more than two weeks ago at the long-running standoff.

Ken Hill, 47, of Ohsweken, in the Six Nations territory, faces two counts of assault in relation to a confrontation between aboriginal protesters and Caledonia residents on June 4.

Hill is scheduled to appear in a court next month in Cayuga.

Arrest warrants were also issued for other suspects after a series of violent incidents, all alleged, on June 9 when an elderly couple's car was swarmed, two TV camera operators were assaulted and a stolen vehicle was driven at police.

One person was arrested, while four others are still being sought for a variety of charges including robbery, assault and attempted murder of a police officer.