Caledonia barricade comes down after ultimatum

Canadian Press
Globe & Mail
Posted on 13/06/06

[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.]

Caledonia, Ont. — A blockade at an aboriginal protest near Hamilton has been dismantled as a show of good faith, says a spokeswoman for the protesters.

Janie Jamieson said the blockade at the Highway 6 bypass was removed Monday night.

“In order to keep talks moving, the chiefs and clan mothers gave directions to have them opened,” she said.

Another barrier at the Douglas Creek Estates housing development is still up. Protesters say the planned development is on aboriginal land.

Large machinery worked overnight to remove tires and tangled metal from the bypass blockade, which has been up since April 20.

Premier Dalton McGuinty called off talks with protesters on Monday, saying the group's violent actions last week make it impossible to work together.

On Friday, an elderly couple's car was swarmed and two news cameramen from a Hamilton television station were assaulted.

Police issued warrants for six people on a range of charges including the attempted murder of a police officer, forcible confinement and robbery.

Mr. McGuinty said negotiations would resume only when the barricades at the disputed site in Caledonia, Ont., came down, and if aboriginals co-operate with the police investigation into the incidents from the weekend.

But Ms. Jamieson says the wanted men will not be turned over to the Ontario Provincial Police.

“We're dealing with that internally right now, according to our own law, our constitution,” she said.

Ms. Jamieson said protesters have been told the OPP and Six Nations Police will work together to make the arrests.

“If that happens, it happens,” she said. “But right now, they're not going to be turned over to the OPP.”

Ms. Jamieson also said the blockade at the housing development will not be coming down.

The Highway 6 bypass is a main trucking route and will have to be inspected before any reopening.