Paul Morse
Hamilton Spectator
Monday, April 24, 2006 | Updated at 1:06 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.]

A top OPP commander has appealed directly to natives occupying a housing development in Caledonia to help ease mounting tensions in the standoff.

Deputy Commissioner Maurice Pillon approached the native barricade across Argyle Street this morning to deliver a conciliatory message in advance of a Caledonia residents rally this evening.

"We have no plans to come back in here," Pillon told the native blockaders.

"We are trying very hard, despite what happened, to build trust with you."

Pillon called on the natives to lift their roadblocks across Highway 6 and Argyle Street as a gesture of goodwill.

"I can tell you that it would be very helpful for the community ... if there was some movement on opening the roads.

"The tensions are high in town as they are here," he told natives at the blockade.

There are concerns tonight's outdoor meeting could escalate tensions between townsfolk and natives. Pillon said police have had to deal with "misguided" Caledonia residents "causing some grief" at the barricades.

"Right now there is a lot of anxiety here and in the town of Caledonia. There is a lot of anxiety across the country, and probably beyond," he said.

"We need to try and bring that anxiety down."

Pillon said natives have already shown good faith by allowing people to attend a church behind the blockade.

Likewise, the OPP is keeping occupiers informed when officers change shifts at the police lines.

He also said the RCMP is no longer involved in the standoff.