The violent and fatal standoff between Mohawks and Canadian soldiers in Oka, Que., 17 years ago marked a high point in Canadian sympathy for aboriginal issues, says Phil Fontaine, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
The pointed reference to the summer-long crisis came yesterday as chiefs from across Canada gathered to discuss a so-called Day of Action planned for June 29. Like Oka, the day could involve blockades. (EDIT: The murder of a police officer is considered a high point by these people?)
“The highest level of support for our position was during that crisis, that’s the highest level of support that Canadians have ever expressed for our issues,” Fontaine said in response to a reporter’s question about the effectiveness of civil disobedience. (EDIT: Stop sugar coating it Phil. It’s called Terrorism)
For Chief Terrance Nelson of the Roseau River First Nation, the plan is to blockade railway lines that move to and from the United States in southern Manitoba.
