The Belleville Intelligencer
Officials for the Ministry of Transportation report they have no estimates on the cost to fix damage done to Highway 401 during the recent national aboriginal day of action.But a local expert said repairing road damages can cost thousands.
The June 29 protest, which saw police close a portion of the major highway from Belleville to Deseronto, caused minor damage to the road, most of which has been fixed, said spokeswoman Emna Dhahak.
Sections of a fence were knocked down or removed from three quadrants of an interchange, and two southbound guard rail posts were burned or damaged, she said.
There was a small area of burned asphalt on the paved shoulder and ash debris that was full of nails, she said.
There was also one crushed culvert end and two symbols painted on the structure piers, driving surface and barrier wall, she said.
The day of protest is not the only cause of local spray paint related to Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.“No OPP” can be found along Highway 49.
(EDIT: And who will be held responsible and have to pay for the damage to our Nations largest highway? The Terrorists who did this, or the taxpayers? Gee I wonder)
Read the full story here
Showing posts with label Deseronto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deseronto. Show all posts
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Natives win more through negotiations
Blocking railway tracks gets aboriginal protesters noticed. Talking quietly at a table gets aboriginal negotiators results. You decide which strategy makes the most sense today.
The latest victory for one of Canada’s First Nations came Monday when leaders of northern Quebec’s 16,500 Cree announced a $1।4 billion deal with Ottawa that will eventually give this aboriginal community a form of self-government. The deal was a long time coming — 32 years to be exact. But the important thing now is that it came. As for the Cree, they deserve praise for patience, perseverance and relying on negotiations instead of resorting to illegal protests or even violence, as have some native groups.
At the end of June, Mohawk protesters were responsible for closing a main rail line and Highway 401 in eastern Ontario।
Their confrontational tactics — which included the threat that they were armed with rifles and would use them in self-defence — got international attention. However, aside from landing a native leader in jail and creating a lot of ill-will in the general public, the confrontations gained the natives nothing. (EDIT: Nothing? Race based immunity to any crime they wish to commit is far from nothing)
Likewise, the occupation of a subdivision in Caledonia has not delivered to a group of Six Nations protesters the land that they wanted, even though it has dragged on for nearly 1 1/2 years and been marred by physical assaults, vandalism and a tension between the local aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities that has not abated।
The latest victory for one of Canada’s First Nations came Monday when leaders of northern Quebec’s 16,500 Cree announced a $1।4 billion deal with Ottawa that will eventually give this aboriginal community a form of self-government. The deal was a long time coming — 32 years to be exact. But the important thing now is that it came. As for the Cree, they deserve praise for patience, perseverance and relying on negotiations instead of resorting to illegal protests or even violence, as have some native groups.
At the end of June, Mohawk protesters were responsible for closing a main rail line and Highway 401 in eastern Ontario।
Their confrontational tactics — which included the threat that they were armed with rifles and would use them in self-defence — got international attention. However, aside from landing a native leader in jail and creating a lot of ill-will in the general public, the confrontations gained the natives nothing. (EDIT: Nothing? Race based immunity to any crime they wish to commit is far from nothing)
Likewise, the occupation of a subdivision in Caledonia has not delivered to a group of Six Nations protesters the land that they wanted, even though it has dragged on for nearly 1 1/2 years and been marred by physical assaults, vandalism and a tension between the local aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities that has not abated।
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
OPP works toward the greater good: Fantino
The inconvenience caused by the recent Aboriginal Day of Action spurred many to criticize the OPP for not charging in with guns blazing, Commissioner Julian Fantino said in Cobourg last week. But the law includes an element of discretion, he added in an address to the Cobourg Rotary Club, and they felt a call to serve the greater good of all.
“At the end of the day, we didn’t have a repeat of what happened at Caledonia, we didn’t have a repeat of what happened at Oka, and we didn’t spill a drop of blood,” Commissioner Fantino stated.
The commissioner has also been criticized for speaking out bluntly but, as he pointed out, this is every Canadian citizen’s right - and he didn’t surrender that right in 1969 when he entered the field. He fails to mention how he tried to force Hamilton Police officer Dave Hartless to surrender his right to freedom of speech for being a resident of Caledonia.
“I am driven by the sense of doing what’s right because it is the right thing to do, and I really don’t care about the popularity contest,” he said. “If it’s the truth, and it needs to be said, I intend to continue doing that.”
Read the full story here
“At the end of the day, we didn’t have a repeat of what happened at Caledonia, we didn’t have a repeat of what happened at Oka, and we didn’t spill a drop of blood,” Commissioner Fantino stated.
The commissioner has also been criticized for speaking out bluntly but, as he pointed out, this is every Canadian citizen’s right - and he didn’t surrender that right in 1969 when he entered the field. He fails to mention how he tried to force Hamilton Police officer Dave Hartless to surrender his right to freedom of speech for being a resident of Caledonia.
“I am driven by the sense of doing what’s right because it is the right thing to do, and I really don’t care about the popularity contest,” he said. “If it’s the truth, and it needs to be said, I intend to continue doing that.”
Read the full story here
Hundreds of native chiefs and delegates meet in Halifax for annual assembly
HALIFAX (CP) - People have a right to strike, protest, demonstrate and even engage in civil disobedience, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine said as he prepares for the assembly’s annual general meeting in Halifax.
Roughly 500 native chiefs and delegates will meet in Halifax on Tuesday to talk about the national day of action, land claims, language retention and fishing rights at the 28th Annual General Assembly.
At key item on the agenda will be the day of action when natives and non-natives held vigils, protests, (edit: don’t forget blockades) and educational sessions to draw attention to issues plaguing aboriginal communities.
Fontaine said he viewed the day as a success. “I’m an optimist, I always believe we can be pretty convincing and persuasive and the national day of action, in our view, has been a huge success,” he said in an interview.
Read the full story here
Roughly 500 native chiefs and delegates will meet in Halifax on Tuesday to talk about the national day of action, land claims, language retention and fishing rights at the 28th Annual General Assembly.
At key item on the agenda will be the day of action when natives and non-natives held vigils, protests, (edit: don’t forget blockades) and educational sessions to draw attention to issues plaguing aboriginal communities.
Fontaine said he viewed the day as a success. “I’m an optimist, I always believe we can be pretty convincing and persuasive and the national day of action, in our view, has been a huge success,” he said in an interview.
Read the full story here
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Native protester Brant denied bail after blockade
NAPANEE, Ont. — A militant activist who led aboriginal protests that snarled traffic on Canada’s busiest highway and blocked a major rail line was denied bail Thursday after turning himself in to Ontario Provincial Police.
While he sympathized with Shawn Brant’s desire to improve conditions on native reserves and resolve long-standing land-claim disputes, Justice D.K. Kirkland of the Ontario Court of Justice said it would be “dangerous” to allow his release.
“You had no intention of ever complying (with the May 3 bail conditions), did you?” prosecutor Robert Morrison asked the handcuffed and shackled Brant.
“Actually, no,” Brant replied.
Morrison also confronted Brant with his statement to The Canadian Press last week before the militant group set up the blockades for the day of action, suggesting that there would be “longer” and “harder” actions to come in the future.
“Sir, I’d not only say it then, I’d say it now,” Brant said.
Read the full story here
While he sympathized with Shawn Brant’s desire to improve conditions on native reserves and resolve long-standing land-claim disputes, Justice D.K. Kirkland of the Ontario Court of Justice said it would be “dangerous” to allow his release.
“You had no intention of ever complying (with the May 3 bail conditions), did you?” prosecutor Robert Morrison asked the handcuffed and shackled Brant.
“Actually, no,” Brant replied.
Morrison also confronted Brant with his statement to The Canadian Press last week before the militant group set up the blockades for the day of action, suggesting that there would be “longer” and “harder” actions to come in the future.
“Sir, I’d not only say it then, I’d say it now,” Brant said.
Read the full story here
Mohawk militant faces second lawsuit
Canadian National is slapping another lawsuit on Mohawk protester (terrorist) Shawn Brant for blocking its main Toronto-to-Montreal rail line.
Brant is being sued again — making two active civil suits from the corporation — in relation to parking an old school bus across its rail line during the June 29 national aboriginal day of action, CN spokesman Mark Hallman confirmed the suit today.
CN is suing for financial damages incurred when rail traffic was cancelled June 29, Hallman said. The amount has not been specified, although CN has said that $103 million worth of freight is carried on the line during an average 24-hour period.
Read the full story here
Brant is being sued again — making two active civil suits from the corporation — in relation to parking an old school bus across its rail line during the June 29 national aboriginal day of action, CN spokesman Mark Hallman confirmed the suit today.
CN is suing for financial damages incurred when rail traffic was cancelled June 29, Hallman said. The amount has not been specified, although CN has said that $103 million worth of freight is carried on the line during an average 24-hour period.
Read the full story here
The man who led last week’s aboriginal blockades of Highway 2 and the CN rail line says he’ll turn himself in to authorities tomorrow and is frustrated that police approached him earlier than that.On Friday, Shawn Brant and a group of Mohawks organized the blockades in defiance of many native leaders’ admonitions. That same morning, the OPP issued an arrest warrant for him on a charge of mischief and breach of prior bail conditions.
During the weekend, Brant’s lawyer, Peter Rosenthal, entered negotiations with the Napanee detachment of the OPP for Brant’s surrender. Rosenthal has represented Brant in the past and will be his lawyer in the coming proceedings.
Brant said that despite his promise to appear for a bail hearing tomorrow, local OPP officers tried to arrest him yesterday morning. “The OPP had blocked the road and, I believe, were attempting to try and do an intervention,” he said, adding that he maintained a full force of men.“They were telling me that I should get in the car and go with them and there was a warrant for me,” Brant said.
“I told them that that was not the arrangement and I thought they should wait.”
He said the officers abandoned their attempt, but that he was left frustrated with the situation.
Related Story Here
Read the full story here
During the weekend, Brant’s lawyer, Peter Rosenthal, entered negotiations with the Napanee detachment of the OPP for Brant’s surrender. Rosenthal has represented Brant in the past and will be his lawyer in the coming proceedings.
Brant said that despite his promise to appear for a bail hearing tomorrow, local OPP officers tried to arrest him yesterday morning. “The OPP had blocked the road and, I believe, were attempting to try and do an intervention,” he said, adding that he maintained a full force of men.“They were telling me that I should get in the car and go with them and there was a warrant for me,” Brant said.
“I told them that that was not the arrangement and I thought they should wait.”
He said the officers abandoned their attempt, but that he was left frustrated with the situation.
Related Story Here
Read the full story here
CN examining legal avenues
Canadian National says it is examining its legal options after a local aboriginal protest prompted it to halt traffic last week.The company is “reviewing our legal options and determining what’s available to us,” said spokesman Frank Binder of the rail line blockade on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory during Friday’s national aboriginal day of action. The threat of a blockade stopped an estimated $103 million worth of freight and about 5,000 passenger trips.
“There have been attempts to find Mr. Brant and execute the warrant,” she said. Tyendinaga Mohawk police officers “have been looking for him.” (Edit: YEAH RIGHT! The media can find him anytime they want to, and he lives in a school bus in the illegally occupied quarry in Deseronto but they can’t find him?)
Read the full story here
“There have been attempts to find Mr. Brant and execute the warrant,” she said. Tyendinaga Mohawk police officers “have been looking for him.” (Edit: YEAH RIGHT! The media can find him anytime they want to, and he lives in a school bus in the illegally occupied quarry in Deseronto but they can’t find him?)
Read the full story here
Terrorism at home
While we spend millions of dollars having our military clean up the bloody nose the U.S.A. created in Afghanistan, citizens of Ontario are subject to what appears to be home grown terrorism by the self-declared Mohawk State.
Phil Fontaine, in appearance an articulate, thoughtful representative of the native cause, shows us in video the deplorable conditions on some of the native reserves. This is effective. Nothing gets Canadians to dig into their pockets more than guilt, pity and the sense of concern and decency.Shutting down major economic and transportation routes is economic terrorism. Most people are sympathetic to the cause but these actions have and will continue to damage the good work done by men like Mr. Fontaine.
Instead of spending money to clean up Afghanistan and help its government gain control of that country, our army should be at home helping the inept Harper government gain control here. If some citizens of Havelock decided to blockade Highway 7 because of an unfair provincial or federal policy, the OPP riot squad would be called out, the citizens would be gassed, pepper sprayed and bludgeoned into submission, arrested and ultimately prosecuted. Where does this relate to fairness for one and all?
Read the full story here
Phil Fontaine, in appearance an articulate, thoughtful representative of the native cause, shows us in video the deplorable conditions on some of the native reserves. This is effective. Nothing gets Canadians to dig into their pockets more than guilt, pity and the sense of concern and decency.Shutting down major economic and transportation routes is economic terrorism. Most people are sympathetic to the cause but these actions have and will continue to damage the good work done by men like Mr. Fontaine.
Instead of spending money to clean up Afghanistan and help its government gain control of that country, our army should be at home helping the inept Harper government gain control here. If some citizens of Havelock decided to blockade Highway 7 because of an unfair provincial or federal policy, the OPP riot squad would be called out, the citizens would be gassed, pepper sprayed and bludgeoned into submission, arrested and ultimately prosecuted. Where does this relate to fairness for one and all?
Read the full story here
So Canadian a Protest
A few short kilometres from each other on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, two distinct approaches to the national aboriginal day of action unfolded.On Wyman’s Road, a rickety school bus blocked the CN Rail tracks, part of a protest from a group of Mohawks led by Shawn Brant that saw Highway 401 closed for 12 hours and a portion of Highway 2 closed for the entire day Friday.
At York Road and Highway 2 in Shannonville, meanwhile, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (MBQ) band councillor Trevor Lewis handed out information pamphlets.
“If you’re headed east, we’re told Highway 2 is blocked,” Lewis told an agitated Quebec driver. “You can take York Road to Highway 49.”
“The 401’s blocked too,” the driver said. “Why is it blocked?”
“I don’t know,” Lewis said. “We’re not part of that.”
On a day of wildly conflicting approaches to educating the public on First Nations issues, that was putting it lightly. After days of talk in the media, Brant’s group headed to Highway 401 late Thursday evening to block it. But the OPP, anticipating safety issues, shut it down instead between Belleville and Marysville around 11:30 p.m., said Sgt. Kristine Rae. Commissioner Julian Fantino and other officers spoke with Brant throughout the night, “trying to resolve it,” she said.
Read the full story here
At York Road and Highway 2 in Shannonville, meanwhile, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (MBQ) band councillor Trevor Lewis handed out information pamphlets.
“If you’re headed east, we’re told Highway 2 is blocked,” Lewis told an agitated Quebec driver. “You can take York Road to Highway 49.”
“The 401’s blocked too,” the driver said. “Why is it blocked?”
“I don’t know,” Lewis said. “We’re not part of that.”
On a day of wildly conflicting approaches to educating the public on First Nations issues, that was putting it lightly. After days of talk in the media, Brant’s group headed to Highway 401 late Thursday evening to block it. But the OPP, anticipating safety issues, shut it down instead between Belleville and Marysville around 11:30 p.m., said Sgt. Kristine Rae. Commissioner Julian Fantino and other officers spoke with Brant throughout the night, “trying to resolve it,” she said.
Read the full story here
Uphold Canada’s laws
The aboriginal day of action has come and gone in Canada and the country is largely better for it. Across the land, native communities expressed their hopes and fears in actions that were, with a few notable exceptions, entirely lawful. Good for them.
But in eastern Ontario, the action taken was not legal but, instead, a violation of the law of the land and the rights of the general public. A small group of native protesters blockaded Highway 401 as well as Highway 2 and the main Canadian National Railway line between Montreal and Toronto. The leader of the natives, Shawn Brant, warned that they were armed with guns and ready to respond violently if provoked. This action, in marked contrast to the other demonstrations, was totally unacceptable. If not checked, it will threaten the civil peace and order of the nation.
Read the full story here
But in eastern Ontario, the action taken was not legal but, instead, a violation of the law of the land and the rights of the general public. A small group of native protesters blockaded Highway 401 as well as Highway 2 and the main Canadian National Railway line between Montreal and Toronto. The leader of the natives, Shawn Brant, warned that they were armed with guns and ready to respond violently if provoked. This action, in marked contrast to the other demonstrations, was totally unacceptable. If not checked, it will threaten the civil peace and order of the nation.
Read the full story here
Thursday, June 28, 2007
OPP Seeks Positive Outcome for National Day of Action Events
ORILLIA, ON, June 27 /CNW/ - On Friday, June 29, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has called for a day of peaceful demonstrations and rallies to raise public awareness about aboriginal issues in Canada. Numerous legitimate protests and information and educational events are expected across Ontario, including activities that may interrupt normal travel and traffic flow.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is actively working with many involved communities and organizations to support peaceful events and legitimate forms of protest. With a responsibility to preserve public safety and maintain order, the OPP is calling on those involved not to jeopardize public peace or endanger anyone.
“I am assured by the First Nations leadership that the National Day of Action is a call for peaceful activity,” said Commissioner Julian Fantino. “The OPP fully supports people’s right to freedom of expression and lawful protest. At the same time, we have a duty to preserve the peace.
EDIT: WRONG Julian. You have a duty to ENFORCE THE LAWS OF ONTARIO
Read the full story here
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is actively working with many involved communities and organizations to support peaceful events and legitimate forms of protest. With a responsibility to preserve public safety and maintain order, the OPP is calling on those involved not to jeopardize public peace or endanger anyone.
“I am assured by the First Nations leadership that the National Day of Action is a call for peaceful activity,” said Commissioner Julian Fantino. “The OPP fully supports people’s right to freedom of expression and lawful protest. At the same time, we have a duty to preserve the peace.
EDIT: WRONG Julian. You have a duty to ENFORCE THE LAWS OF ONTARIO
Read the full story here
National chief statement on potential illegal protests on June 29
OTTAWA, June 27 - I am aware of public statements in recent days about intentions to disrupt traffic during the National Day of Action in support of First Nations on June 29.
While these comments have been widely reported they are isolated comments and do not reflect the position of the Assembly of First Nations, or the many First Nations across the country, who have organized peaceful and positive events that are inclusive of all Canadians.
We respectfully urge Canadians not to criminalize First Nations people with respect to the actions they plan to take on June 29 and beyond.
(edit: Phil asks that you don’t fight back against Terrorism.. The same Phil Fontaine who Shawn Brant says told him to do this)
Read the full story here
While these comments have been widely reported they are isolated comments and do not reflect the position of the Assembly of First Nations, or the many First Nations across the country, who have organized peaceful and positive events that are inclusive of all Canadians.
We respectfully urge Canadians not to criminalize First Nations people with respect to the actions they plan to take on June 29 and beyond.
(edit: Phil asks that you don’t fight back against Terrorism.. The same Phil Fontaine who Shawn Brant says told him to do this)
Read the full story here
Warriors brace for police force
Expect ‘fallout’ if violence is used at a planned blockade.
Native warriors across the country plan to keep a close eye on tomorrow’s events near Deseronto in case police attempt forceful tactics to stop Mohawk blockade plans.
The political manoeuvring of Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine and other band chiefs to distance themselves from blockades has left the Tyendinaga Mohawks seemingly alone in the runup to the proclaimed native day of action.
“They are not alone,” said one well-connected source outside Tyendinaga. “Warriors from across the country are keeping an eye on it.”
“If violence is used against the people at Tyendinaga or anywhere there is going to be fallout,” he said. “We would not think too highly of (police use of force),” said Rarahkwisere of the Akwesasne Warrior Society, adding it is up to the clan mothers to decide on a reaction. “In the event someone gets hurt, the politics of the AFN go out the window and the grassroots people come together,”
(EDIT: So if we don’t tolerate their terrorism, they will react with more terrorism, but if we do tolerate it, they will of course be emboldened even more and react with more terrorism)
Read the full story here
Native warriors across the country plan to keep a close eye on tomorrow’s events near Deseronto in case police attempt forceful tactics to stop Mohawk blockade plans.
The political manoeuvring of Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine and other band chiefs to distance themselves from blockades has left the Tyendinaga Mohawks seemingly alone in the runup to the proclaimed native day of action.
“They are not alone,” said one well-connected source outside Tyendinaga. “Warriors from across the country are keeping an eye on it.”
“If violence is used against the people at Tyendinaga or anywhere there is going to be fallout,” he said. “We would not think too highly of (police use of force),” said Rarahkwisere of the Akwesasne Warrior Society, adding it is up to the clan mothers to decide on a reaction. “In the event someone gets hurt, the politics of the AFN go out the window and the grassroots people come together,”
(EDIT: So if we don’t tolerate their terrorism, they will react with more terrorism, but if we do tolerate it, they will of course be emboldened even more and react with more terrorism)
Read the full story here
Illegal actions on aboriginal day of action won’t help real issues: Martin
Staging illegal activities on Friday’s national aboriginal day of action would do nothing but “tarnish” the efforts of peaceful protesters hoping to further the case for improving the lives of aboriginal Canadians, former prime minister Paul Martin said Wednesday.
“I think it’s so important that this day not be marred by illegal activities and blockades,” he said. While most national and regional chiefs have called for peaceful demonstrations on Friday, there are concerns some communities may resort to illegal measures such as highway or railway blockades - acts that could spark confrontations with law enforcement.
Read the full story here
“I think it’s so important that this day not be marred by illegal activities and blockades,” he said. While most national and regional chiefs have called for peaceful demonstrations on Friday, there are concerns some communities may resort to illegal measures such as highway or railway blockades - acts that could spark confrontations with law enforcement.
Read the full story here
National day of action just the beginning, Mohawk hard-liner says
DESERONTO, ONT. — Mohawk protester Shawn Brant has emerged as a lonesome voice of hard-line native militancy, plotting major economic disruption as his way of making Canada sit up and listen.
Whether Friday’s national aboriginal day of action will amount to peaceful marches or burning barricades isn’t clear. Regardless, Mr. Brant says it’s just the beginning.
“We’re going to have that expression of strength and solidarity across this country,” he said in an interview at the quarry he occupied on disputed land last March near Deseronto, west of Kingston.
“Then we’ll step back and say: ‘You absorb this.’ Because the next time we come out, it’s going to be harder, it’s going to be longer and it’s going to have an impact on this economy that Canada can’t imagine at this point.
He and a tight-knit group of supporters within the Bay of Quinte Mohawks are determined to wreak at least some economic havoc.
“June 29th is the day to start this campaign,” Mr. Brant said.
Read the full story here
Whether Friday’s national aboriginal day of action will amount to peaceful marches or burning barricades isn’t clear. Regardless, Mr. Brant says it’s just the beginning.
“We’re going to have that expression of strength and solidarity across this country,” he said in an interview at the quarry he occupied on disputed land last March near Deseronto, west of Kingston.
“Then we’ll step back and say: ‘You absorb this.’ Because the next time we come out, it’s going to be harder, it’s going to be longer and it’s going to have an impact on this economy that Canada can’t imagine at this point.
He and a tight-knit group of supporters within the Bay of Quinte Mohawks are determined to wreak at least some economic havoc.
“June 29th is the day to start this campaign,” Mr. Brant said.
Read the full story here
Brant’s preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 20/21
It will be nearly Christmas before the criminal charges against Mohawk protester Shawn Brant are back before court here.Brant’s attorney, Toronto-based social justice lawyer Peter Rosenthal, appeared on Brant’s behalf Tuesday morning. A preliminary hearing was set for Dec. 20 and 21.
Brant, a well-known Terrorist from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and spokesman for a group that has inhabited a privately-owned Deseronto-area quarry since March, is charged with mischief, disobeying a court order and breach of recognizance. The charges stem from a 30-hour blockade of a Canadian National rail line, the main corridor between Toronto and Montreal, on April 20.
Brant said in an interview Tuesday that if he does break his bail conditions on June 29 not to incite, encourage, plan or participate in illegal protests, it will be a testament to the desperation of the cause and the poor conditions of First Nations communities.
Read the full story here
Brant, a well-known Terrorist from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and spokesman for a group that has inhabited a privately-owned Deseronto-area quarry since March, is charged with mischief, disobeying a court order and breach of recognizance. The charges stem from a 30-hour blockade of a Canadian National rail line, the main corridor between Toronto and Montreal, on April 20.
Brant said in an interview Tuesday that if he does break his bail conditions on June 29 not to incite, encourage, plan or participate in illegal protests, it will be a testament to the desperation of the cause and the poor conditions of First Nations communities.
Read the full story here
Protesters planning blockade
Tyendinaga Mohawks plan to target Highway 401, the town of Deseronto or the CN Rail Line - again - on Friday’s national aboriginal day of action, says a local Mohawk protester.Shawn Brant, the spokesman for a group that has occupied the Thurlow Aggregates quarry on Deseronto Road since March, said there will be activity, likely involving “one of the targets we identified back on April 22,” he said. Those targets are Highway 401, the railway and the town of Deseronto.
The day of action happens three days after a preliminary hearing date was set for Brant in Napanee court on charges of mischief, disobeying a court order and breach of recognizance in connection with the April CN blockade. Brant is out on bail on the condition he not participate in any unlawful protests or block any thoroughfares on or off Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.Brant said in an interview Tuesday that if he breaks his bail, “that has to speak to our commitment of the day.”
Read the full story here
The day of action happens three days after a preliminary hearing date was set for Brant in Napanee court on charges of mischief, disobeying a court order and breach of recognizance in connection with the April CN blockade. Brant is out on bail on the condition he not participate in any unlawful protests or block any thoroughfares on or off Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.Brant said in an interview Tuesday that if he breaks his bail, “that has to speak to our commitment of the day.”
Read the full story here
Via Rail to use buses on ‘Day of Action’
Via Rail will move its passen-gers by bus if the national ‘Day of Action’ by First Nations creates a blockade on rail lines in the Kingston corridor.Catherine Kaloutsky, a spokesperson for Via Rail, said although the company is continuing with business as normal, it is carefully monitoring the situation for any changes.
Although there is still speculation as to what will happen, said Mark Hallman, a media representative for CN Rail, the company has “had some notification about some reputed plans in Kingston.” He said CN is taking steps to “ensure the safety and security” of its customers and CN plans to continue service.
Read the full story here
Although there is still speculation as to what will happen, said Mark Hallman, a media representative for CN Rail, the company has “had some notification about some reputed plans in Kingston.” He said CN is taking steps to “ensure the safety and security” of its customers and CN plans to continue service.
Read the full story here
Aboriginals who protest for day of action aren’t above the law: Ont. Opposition
Aboriginals gearing up for the June 29 national day of action should know they aren’t above the law and should be threatened with hefty fines or lawsuits if they set up illegal blockades, Ontario’s Opposition leader told an audience of provincial police chiefs Tuesday.Amid threats from at least one aboriginal protester that a key provincial highway and rail line in eastern Ontario may be targeted, Conservative Leader John Tory said the province should send a strong message that such behaviour is unacceptable, regardless of how legitimate the grievance may be.
“People have to understand that if they take the law into their own hands, there are going to be consequences for that,” Tory said following his speech to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police in Waterloo, Ont. “We cannot allow a precedent to be established for anybody.”
“We have to send a message that says, the law is the law. We are all subject to the law. There aren’t exceptions to that.”
Read the full story here
“People have to understand that if they take the law into their own hands, there are going to be consequences for that,” Tory said following his speech to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police in Waterloo, Ont. “We cannot allow a precedent to be established for anybody.”
“We have to send a message that says, the law is the law. We are all subject to the law. There aren’t exceptions to that.”
Read the full story here
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