Government 'dropped the ball' on Caledonia dispute: developers

CBC News: http://www.cbc.ca/news
Last Updated Tue, 25 Apr 2006 08:45:51 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.]

The developers whose housing project triggered a seven-week-long standoff near Caledonia, Ont., say they will consider all options to end the dispute, which has left them frustrated by the government's handling of the case.

"We have a provincial guarantee of the title of ownership," John Henning told CBC.ca Tuesday.

But he said he and his brother Don Henning "are willing to consider all options" to bring the tense situation to an end.

The standoff was sparked by the brothers' plans to build 250 homes on the 40-hectare site, which members of a nearby Six Nations reserve say is on their land.

The standoff entered its 57th day after a noisy and at times nasty dispute on Monday.

About 500 local residents confronted police and native protesters at a blockade in the town, and tensions boiled over with angry shouts and jeers being exchanged.

The native demonstrators, mostly members of the nearby Six Nations reserve, first occupied the site on Feb. 28 to stop construction of the housing project on land they say was stolen from the Six Nations more than 200 years ago.

However, the Henning brothers told CBC.ca they have clear title to the land.

"We want to go back to work on that property," John Henning said.

Developers say government 'dropped the ball'

Both brothers said they feel upset and let down by the way government has handled the dispute.

"The government has dropped the ball," Don Henning said.

"I think it's definitely [a dispute] between the Six Nations people and the federal and provincial governments."

But both brothers agreed their ultimate goal was to see things end without violence.

"Certainly we want this to come to a peaceful solution," Don Henning said. "After this is over, we still have to work with our neighbours."