Independent body to speed up system. Announcement today timed to defuse threats of illegal protests by native bands

CanWest News Service
Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Prime Minister Stephen Harper will try to calm agitation for aboriginal protests this summer by announcing today the creation of an independent tribunal to speed the settlement of native land claims.

Today’s announcement is timed to defuse threats of illegal and possibly violent demonstrations on some reserves. The Assembly of First Nations is also calling for a “day of action,” including protest, on June 29.

Yesterday, Chief Terrence Nelson applauded Harper for agreeing to reform the land-claims system, but said he could not call off his blockade because of “the simple promise of another white man.”

Instead, Nelson sent a letter to Canadian National, offering a five-year “truce” with the company in return for CN’s agreement to voluntarily halt trains along the disputed tracks the night of June 29, as well as a CN promise to pressure Ottawa on land claims.

“We’re certainly not stepping down our protest,” Nelson said. “What we’re trying to do is sit down properly and negotiate, before things get out of control.”

Read the full story here

Traffic stop nets Loaded Shotgun in Caledonia

On Saturday June 9, 2007 at 11:52am, OPP officers observed a pickup truck northbound on Argyle St. in Caledonia. The pickup truck did not have a front licence plate attached to the truck. The truck pulled into the parking lot. OPP officers followed the truck onto the lot and conducted a traffic stop.Officers spoke to the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle. Upon further investigation a loaded shotgun and a quantity of ammunition was seized from the pickup truck.

24 year old Lyle Robert HILL of Ohsweken was arrested at the scene.

Courtesy of www.caledoniawakeupcall.com

Ipperwash Inquiry – Where’s Mike Harris when you need him?

People are disappointed with the recommendations coming out of the Ipperwash Inquiry, but they shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The same old reactionary approach to dealing with native occupations should have been expected last week. The McGuinty Liberals never intended to get to the root of such standoffs, but rather wanted to see former Premier Mike Harris crash and burn.

Justice Sidney Linden was given a mandate to 1. lead an independent public inquiry into the events surrounding the death of Dudley George in 1995 and 2. “to make recommendation to help avoid violence in similar circumstances.”

The mandate says nothing about upholding laws and justice, or deciphering right from wrong. His task was essentially: How to react when a bunch of natives come and claim land? The report could be called Damage control in the face of accepted native terrorism.

How pointless was this report, $25 million later?

Read the full story here Kudo’s to Bill Jackson of The Regional for an excellent article!

Pinocchio Premier

Forgive us for being a tad bit cynical over Premier Dalton McGuinty’s recent pledge that he would not raise taxes if re-elected this October.

We all remember McGuinty’s infamous pledge during the 2003 election campaign: “I won’t cut your taxes… but I won’t raise them either.”

In 2004, the Pinocchio Premier and his Gepetto Finance Minister Greg Sorbara announced the dreaded $2.4 billion health premium, which cost taxpayers between $300 to $900 a year, depending on income. So much for the promise not to raise taxes.

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Pursuing justice for aborignials by Jim Prentice

In recent weeks, Canadians have had occasion to reflect on the historic relationship between Canada and its First Nations. Canada’s aboriginal leadership has announced that June 29 will be a “National Day of Action.” The recent report of Justice Sidney Linden, Commissioner of the Ipperwash Inquiry, has highlighted once again that remedying historic injustices is crucial to improving the relationship between aboriginal Canadians and their governments. (Edit: It’s a day of Terrorism and Jim knows it, the Ipperwhitewash report was a bird cage liner written to appease violent thugs)

I wish to be very clear about the approach of the Government of Canada to dealing with the concerns of aboriginal Canadians across the country. (Edit: I’ll do it for you Jim. Appeasement, Appeasement, Appeasement)

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New law expected to speed land claims

CBC News

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to announce plans Tuesday to speed land claims, as native groups prepare for a national day of action on June 29. The Assembly of First Nations has called for a national day of action on June 29 to draw attention to outstanding land claims..

Read the full story of Cowardice and Appeasement here

Confrontation not related to protest: Mohawks

DESERONTO — The confrontation of an OPP officer driving through Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory last week had nothing to do with the ongoing occupation of a gravel quarry near here, Mohawk activists say.

The confrontation between the officer and a handful of local Mohawks happened around 1 p.m. June 6 when the Prince Edward County OPP officer was driving a marked police cruiser on a provincial highway near Marysville. The officer was flagged down by two motorists and stopped to assist them, OPP said in a media release. The officer was then “confronted by two area men who immediately challenged the officer,”

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Native Firm refuses work

Lynn Nantais, Letter to The Sachem & Gazette

Approximately one year and five months ago (and only one month before DCE), I had the opportunity to contract out some home renovation work to a local Ohsweken firm. To say I was pleased with the results would be a gross understatement. The job was done in a professional and timely manner. I was no impressed that I have (on numerous occasions), passed along the name to many others I know who need similar work done.

Last week I called the same firm to get a quote for work I need done on my new residence. I am deeply saddened to have been told that “they refuse to do work in Caledonia”.

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Developers to meet with Confederacy Council

The developers of a new subdivision in York said Monday they will meet with a committee of the Six Nations Confederacy Council. The development, which would have 55 houses in York received the approval of county council Monday. But Wes Elliott, who attended council’s planning committee meeting as a representative of Onondaga Chief Artie General, told council that the development is in the Haldimand Tract.

The land is subject to a land claim by the Six Nations and is in the area being dealt with at the negotiating table by the federal and provincial governments and the Six Nations. Speaking to Haldimand County Council Elliott said: “We are tired of being slapped in the face by this council.”

Read the full story here