Highway 6 Blockade - 5 October 2014 - Day 2 - Double Standard Still in Place

At 1:30 pm Sunday 5 October 2014 I decided to re-visit the locations I saw yesterday and note any changes or observations of potential importance.

I did not bother to stop at the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) barriers at 5th Line where there was hardly any vehicles so no need for officers to be out of their vehicles directing traffic.  I then proceeded to drive west on 5th Line to Cayuga Road, take a left here, and a left turn at 4th Line (the specific location of the protest blockade) heading east to the tent site of yesterday. 

OPP barricade at 5th Line along Highway 6 on Sunday

Once again there was no police (e.g., Six Nations Police) at the corner of 4th Line and Cayuga Road, so anyone who wanted could travel down to the location where Men's Fire had their "operations center".  No OPP were on 4th Line west of the protest site (before it becomes Reserve land), only on the opposite side of 4th Line (east of Highway 6).  There were also no barriers anywhere approaching the site, as seen below.  The tent was obscured by the utility vehicle on the immediate right.  Three men were speaking to drivers and again a woman had the flyers I spoke of yesterday to hand out to all who passed through the "check point".  Out of respect, I did not take any potentially "intrusive" pictures.

Cluster of people on the north side of 4th Line at Highway 6

A sign which I did not see yesterday

View from barricade tent north on Highway 6 - no vehicle with flags today

View of Highway 6 looking south - no vehicles nearby

View down 4th Line from Highway 6 - two OPP vehicles

Things were a bit quiet today, and it seemed that only the stalwarts were there - no Confederacy or Mohawk Warrior flags.  Chatted a bit with those present and asked if it would be ok to come back after my trip to Hagersville.  The answer was sure, as long as the police allowed me through and good luck with that.  There was no presence at all to impede vehicles.  However I don't know if any non-Native people were coming down 4th Line, or whether the very large Native man would have let them through to Highway 6. 

I then turned right on Highway 6 and headed to Hewitt's Dairy to pick up some ice cream.  On my way back to Caledonia I decided to stop and inquire as to the policy of the OPP concerning who could proceed along Highway 6 past their check point.

OPP barricade and check point at 3rd Line and Highway 6 looking north

I parked and approached one of the vehicles asking the officer whether, since I had just come from 4th Line along Highway 6 and passed by their check point (on the far left of the picture above), whether I could proceed back along Highway 6 to the 4th Line.  What I was told was very interesting.  The officer said that only those with the "Man Fire" could proceed.  I said that if I produced a "status card" would that be sufficient.  The officer asked to see a card.  I said that it would not say "Men's Fire", but that the people at the barricades at 4th Line told me I could come back.  The officer said that as long as I was "with" the people there I could proceed.  I thanked the officer and decided that I would prefer to take the detour up 3rd Line to 5th Line and return home that way.

Assessment:  Today was pretty "low key" compared to yesterday (where even then little was happening).  There does not seem to have been any media reporting relating to Sunday's activities at the barricades.  It does not appear that the issue captivated the folks at Six Nations and New Credit since there were very few participants.  One of the "problems" for the protest organizers is that the OPP kept the public as far away as possible from the 4th Line and so only Six Nations residents got the literature on the subject while traffic from other sources was ushered around the protest site via detours (completely unmarked once the drivers got to Cayuga Road or McKenzie Road - so good luck to them).  This must have been a source of frustration to Men's Fire (not that I have any sympathy with their methods).  So like a tree falling in the forest, who was there to hear the message?  However if the OPP did allow drivers to go past the 4th Line barricades, there would undoubtedly have been some unpleasant incidents as local residents vented their anger and frustration.  The OPP deflected what would otherwise have been a certain problem, and the risk to public safety was defused.

The police presence was half of what it was the previous day with, for example, neither of the two vehicles at the corner of Argyle Street and the Highway 6 bypass at the south end of Caledonia.  Not only were there fewer OPP vehicles, but there were no Native vehicles blocking Highway 6.  I am not sure whether the whole thing had just fizzled out.  There were no media persons there.  It was all very serene (on the surface at least). 

What I think was most important was to learn that by being identified as Native (although I never said I was Native, only asked hypothetically about what would be allowed in terms of passage along Highway 6 with a status card) meant that you were given the "privilege" of unrestricted access, whereas White folks (non-Native) could expect to be funneled along one of the detours.  The traffic, however, for whatever reason, was extremely light at around 2 pm.

I simply don't quite know what to make of the "protest".  It all just seemed to be quite futile.  If the message was for Prime Minister Harper then the correct venue would have been Ottawa or his riding in Alberta.  Here again, a matter that has nothing to do with people in Caledonia or Hagersville or the larger number of confused travelers who seemed (when I stopped to talk with officers) lost and disoriented (who seemed to predominate).  Perhaps locals made other plans. 

I expect that the action has been a great disappointment to Men's Fire.  Some undoubtedly did believe in the stated cause, although I wonder about others who may be opportunists who would see this as an opportunity to apply more pressure on the unresolved Douglas Creek Estates issue (or maybe "kill two birds with one stone" here - I simply don't know the motivation). 

Some further reading about the matter can be found at the "Brantford Expositor" here, and a broader view (related protests included) in "The Hamilton Spectator" here.

While I acknowledge that the approach used by the OPP on this occasion did "work" by keeping confrontation out of the equation, the reality is that their actions still reflect the "double standard".  So still to this day, there is one response for Natives and another quite different one for non-Natives.  OPP policies and procedures continue to employ two - tiered policing.  Hence the question can be asked, "What would happen if a group of Haldimand residents were to shut down Highway 6 to bring to public attention the 8 years of suffering, including physical and psychological abuse, perpetrated against Caledonians and others at the hands of Six Nations members?"  In other words, what would the response of the OPP be to the very same actions or tactics if employed by local Caledonia residents?  I am almost certain that I know the answer to this question based on my observations and personal involvement since 2006 - arrests and paddy wagons for all non-Natives.

DeYo.

Highway 6 Blockade - 4 October 2014 - Day 1

A very cold day where the temperature has dropped precipitously, the wind is very brisk, and there are occasional cloudbursts of rain.  Not the best weather for this, the first day, of the blockade of Highway 6 at Fourth Line by Men's Fire, Hereditary Council, Six Nations (Haudenosaunee).  Apparently this action was part of a larger protest involving a group at Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory near Belleville (see here).

I had the opportunity to speak with a number of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers stationed at various points along Highway 6, and access roads.  Coming from Caledonia the barricade involves two police vehicles and cones, and a very friendly Sergeant and a Constable.  They were directing traffic, half east along 5th Line to McKenzie Road where people can circumvent the blockade, and the other half west up to Cayuga Road on the Reserve where they can turn south and return to Highway 6 by 3rd Line (or 4th Line at the time I was there - more on this later).

Officers at 5th Line directing vehicles toward Cayuga Road

A few minutes later at 5th Line (Haldimand County supplied sign and barridade)

Since I wanted to take pictures of the actual blockade site, the very helpful Sergeant obtained a number for another Sergeant at the Cayuga Detachment who would speak to me.  I went home and called.  The Sergeant explained the situation (exactly as I knew it to be) and indicated that the OPP were still trying to negotiate with the leaders of the blockade to obtain a more suitable plan that would not impede traffic along Highway 6.  All media was apparently being stopped - confirmed by an on site officer who said that one of the Reserve newspapers had tried to get through but were denied access via Highway 6.

However there was an inconsistency which allowed any Six Nations member to access Highway 6 from the Reserve unimpeded.  Specifically, there were no OPP officers at any point along 4th Line on the west (Reserve) side.  So after turning left on Cayuga Road from 5th Line I turned left (east) on 4th Line within the Reserve.  I sailed through and came upon what was obviously an expanding set up which was blockading Highway 6 at 4th Line (Willow Grove).  They were established amidst the homes and businesses of non-Natives and had more or less taken over the surrounds.  There were police cars on both sides of 4th Line on Highway 6. 

View coming down 4th Line at Highway 6

 

To repeat, coming down the 4th Line from Cayuga Road on the Reserve, there was no barrier of any description and no OPP anywhere in this vicinity except on Highway 6 as seen below.  The tent above was set up blocking the west lane of Highway 6.  What follows are other views of the blockade.

 

 

Vehicle with Mohawk Warrior flags blocking Highway 6 north side of 4th Line



OPP vehicles to the north of above vehicle

Tent blocking Highway 6 - Looking south

Sign looking north toward tent

Vehicle with Mohawk Warrior and Confederacy flags blocking Highway 6 on south side

OPP vehicles and road block at 3rd Line looking north

4th Line and McKenzie Road looking west

Assessment:  The OPP officers I met were all friendly and professional and were dedicated to keeping any confrontation from occurring.  All perfectly understandable.  What is frustrating (other than being blocked from access to Highway 6 without having to take a giant detour) is that Six Nations members could funnel down 4th Line to Highway 6 and at the time I was there, could drive north or south without impediment.  In other words - "Natives" were given a free pass to access Highway 6 (all who passed the tent were given a handout entitled, "Why is Highway 6 being blockaded today?  Information sheet for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls"), while non-Natives were forbidden from any access to Highway 6 from 3rd Line to 5th Line. 

In addition, coming down 4th Line, the Six Nations residents avenue, there were no militant political signals.  However, via the approach which the participants expected the local people to take, Highway 6, there were the familiar Mohawk Warrior and Confederacy flags long associated with the assault on Caledonia by Six Nations - and seen for 8 years from the "reclamation" at Douglas Creek Estates. 

So "the message" of the blockade was provided in the form of information sheets for Six Nations residents; and in the form of vehicles bedecked in symbols of militancy facing the vehicles that would be driven by residents of for example Hagersville and Caledonia.  The physical set up here could not be more clear.  The local residents were once again being taunted by the symbols associated with the suffering of so many years and there was not one single sign that spoke of the pretend issue (missing and murdered aboriginal women).  Only on a single truck was there a small banner about this matter, and it was indirect (something about missing sisters), and at the time of my visit hidden from the Caledonia approach via Highway 6. 

So on Saturday, if you were a resident of Six Nations, no problem, just take an info sheet and be on your way.  There was a clear double standard in place here, where members of Six Nations did not have to worry about being inconvenienced.  Without a doubt there would have been bitter and acrimonious exchanges had this group attempted to block any at Six Nations - many at Six Nations have no tolerance for certain "sub-groups" of the Hereditary Council.  They will likely stay away - many are likely displeased at again putting Six Nations in a negative spotlight.

Here though, in the morning of the first day of the protest, all Six Nations present on 4th Line appeared to be on the same page. There appeared to be more men than women at the barricades - many older males.  Those at the blockade, about 20 or so at the time I was there, were having a fine time laughing and joking - of course at the expense of Haldimand County residents - but do they care?  I will allow readers to come to their own conclusion here.

During the evening CHCH TV had fairly extensive coverage of the Native protests at Highway 6, Hamilton, and Tyendinaga as seen here.  Here one woman pulls the same old chestnuts out of the drawer of ignorance saying that "Harper does not care".  Actually, that is not the case.  He has made the correct assertion that the RCMP and others including academics have studied the missing and murdered women matter in depth and the answer is always the same - social dysfunction in the family and community of origin.  Many Native leaders are calling for an end to the blame game and an acceptance that change has to come from taking personal and collective responsibility, not expecting government to solve all problems (all the while bitterly criticizing government).  Also the supposed "fact" of Canadian racism and genocide were mentioned.  If racism was true, Six Nations would have been dispersed to Manitoulin Island and the American West as was proposed and as was occurring in the 1840s - but government stepped in and established the Reserve system to allow Native communities to remain intact.  Racism indeed.  As to genocide, there was none, never.  The only true historical acts of genocide have been perpetrated by Native on Native violence where for example the Haudeosaunee completely destroyed the Huron / Wendat, Attiwandaronk, Erie, Wenro and other nations in the 1640s and 50s.  They were "wiped off the map" since they were competitors in the lucrative beaver market of the time.  The truth does not paint a pretty picture of the Six Nations, but if you can get Canadians to believe the spin - well then sympathy and support can be expected.  So often truth gets in the way of what has been taught for years - the same c*^p I was taught and believed until I searched the original records then the house of cards tumbled before factual information.

It is unknown how the organizers will attempt to change things up for Sunday.  They could have a few tricks up their sleeves to make their protest more effective.  In reality, those driving down or up Highway 6 only knew that there was a problem ahead and that the OPP had established a detour.  They would not have a clue as to the nature of the problem unless they had read about it in a local newspaper.  Most people I saw as I stood at the OPP barricades just appeared confused or angry.  The idea that the Harper Government (Federal) is going to be influenced by this very strange protest where those inconvenienced have no clue as to why they had to take a detour makes absolutely no sense.  Even if the true intent was to put more pressure on the Wynne Government (Provincial) to settle the DCE matter in favour of the Hereditary Council - the actions can have no foreseeable impact.

One thing is certain in all this.  The Ontario taxpayer was forced to once again expend untold sums of taxpayer dollars to "police" the protest.  The sum should be added to the amount deducted from any potential settlement of fiscal issues surrounding the questionable land claims from 170 years ago.  Surely fairness dictates that there have to be consequences when those who do not pay taxes to support, for example, the OPP services and the upkeep of for example Highway 6, put the burden on the shoulders of those in Caledonia and elsewhere who do pay taxes.

Without any doubt there is a double standard that works in favour of the Six Nations.  How much longer will members of the Haldimand community be willing to tolerate this skewed state of affairs?

DeYo.

The Protest to Stop the Destruction of Bala Falls, Versus the Blockade of Highway 6 by Six Nations Militants

I just returned from a trip to Muskoka to see the glorious fall changing of the colour of the leaves.  While there I noticed signs around the town of Bala saying that it was not too late to change course in the plan to tame the awesome Bala Falls and channel the water into a hydro electric dam facility.  Signs pleaded with Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne to listen to the people and to see that this misguided part of the ill conceived "Green Energy" policy will destroy the entire character of the town and forever destroy the heritage of this area for us and our descendants.

My point in writing this blog posting is to contrast the above campaign in Muskoka with the planned protest this weekend by Six Nations Men's Fire to block Highway 6 at Fourth Line to supposedly increase awareness of missing and murdered Native women (from Northern Reserves).  First, this issue has been studied to the hilt and anything to be learned has been learned and is published for all who care to read the findings.  So the cause of the protest is questionable.  Also the cause is not local, yet it will only be local residents of Caledonia, Hagersville and other areas of Haldimand County who will suffer.  So for the, I can't possibly count the number of times, Caledonians will be kicked around by Six Nations members for this or that reason - and they want us to believe that this has nothing to do with ongoing disputes with the Liberal Government about ownership of the Douglas Creek Estates (DCE) just north of 4th Line.  Many of us are not quite that stupid.  We know when we are being employed as pawns in the "game" being played out by the Hereditary Council and its components such as Men's Fire.  They hold us in absolute contempt, and to "frustrate" or "inconvenience" us is not even taken into consideration.  In their eyes we don't count - although useful to bounce around hoping that the Government will take notice and out and out give the Hereditary Council (not the Six Nations Elected Council) total control of the DCE property.  They can pretend it is about something else, but only those who are very naive or do not know Six Nations politics would buy into the stated rationale of "missing and murdered women". 

Also, this has to be the most uncreative plan to address whatever point Men's Fire are trying to make.  Blockades (road and rail) have been used over and over either here or at Tyendinaga and with no other effect than to cause millions of dollars of economic damage - and with absolutely no consequence to the perpetrators.  IT DOESN'T WORK.  Of course this is more likely to evoke sympathy than telling the truth and saying that they are going to purposely aggravate Caledonians to the point where they, considering the history over the past 8 years, will probably get angry.  Men's Fire know full well that the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), who did nothing at a similar blockade last October, will not arrest any "Native" if there are large numbers present - just arrest "non-Natives" who are less likely to be able to make life miserable for them.  Two tiered policing - 8 years and counting.

Contrast the above to what I saw today at Bala.  The protest has been ongoing for 31 days.  No road has been blocked - it would be futile and the protesters know it.  So how are they proceeding to get their message across?  Lets look at what is creating the controversy - the beautiful Bala Falls - now endangered.

First, there are in fact no roads being blocked.  The protesters are respecting the transport systems, and the local people are working with a common goal - to stop the Liberal Government using its "Green Energy" policy to ram these destructive views down their throats.  The people who live and work there value the heritage and environment and put them before the limited benefits that might accrue from a hydro electric facility.  This "project" would wipe the falls off the map and remove a significant part of that which makes Bala so special.

Protest site completely off the road

Train traffic unaffected

Secondly, there is a discrete camp, where information can be given to visitors.

Tent where protestors have remained for 31 days

Third, local people are working with residents of nearby Wahta Reserve Mohawk Territory (aka Gibson Reserve), and Anisinaabe groups and have set up a non disruptive camp for 31 days now on the land between the arms of the falls (what amounts to a small island crossed by road and rail traffic).

Fourth, there are an array of informational signs with specifics included as seen above and in more detail below.

The message is pretty clear here

One of many signs that inform

More facts

All peoples of Bala have a right to be angry here

Will we allow the government to take this away from our grandchildren?

Why does Men's Fire insist on using a proven ineffective method to get across a message about a subject that has been studied ad infinitum and that has already been answered?  Why would they not see that the methods used by the people of Bala and nearby Wahta and the Anishinaabe community are more effective and cause the least disruption.  Either they are lacking in certain respects, or their agenda is not that which is being advertised.

DeYo.

Outrageous Extortion - Haudenosaunee Group Demanding "Donation" to Park at Edinburgh Square for the Caledonia Fair

This just in!!! 

Friday 26 September 2014:

A very irate reader reported that he was harassed when he took pictures of the sign and "donation bucket" at the entrance to parking at Edinburgh Square in Caledonia.  This access was controlled by some unidentified Haudenosaunee group, who were hostile to his presence, and the fact that he took pictures of the site.  They tried to deny him access to the site even though only walking, and demanded to know why he was taking pictures.  I understand that the response was, "It is for me to know, and for you to discover".  That did not seem to sit well with the female who appeared to be "in charge" of the operation.  Her greatest concern was that pictures not be taken of her and anyone else present.  Apparently she was assured that [despite no requirement to do so] that no one will be seen in any frame, only "objects". 

My informant called the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to make a formal complaint when this woman who appeared to be "in charge" followed him and took a picture of himself and his vehicle license plate.  Considering this very intrusive and bordering on stalking he expressed to the author concern that this group of militants were affiliated with the less savoury elements at Six Nations - some of whom have been at times observed "shadowing" him since his vehicle is recognized by those most active in illegal - invalid land claims and violence.  Apparently the specific complaint to the OPP was simply that a group was trying to obtain money, which was required via a "donation", to park in what is a public area and if regulated, should be via Haldimand County who owns the property.

This property is the site of the Haldimand Heritage and Cultural Centre (see here).

Historic building at Edinburgh Square



The Edinburgh Square matter is one of many unsubstantiated, unsupported, invalid land claims made by some Haudenosaunee group or groups based on the old (outdated) Six Nations Lands and Resources claim that the land on which the present Museum stands is unsurrendered / unceded as seen here via the Six Nations Lands and Resources website.

 

Side view of old municipal building at Edinburgh Square - now a Museum



It appears likely that the rationale for having a presence at Edinburgh Square at the time of the Caledonia Fair is to bring attention to the unsupported claim, once again without any legal basis for doing so.  It might not be entirely outlandish to think that perhaps this move is connected with an upcoming possible protest at the site of the proposed McClung housing development by Empire Builders.  Here 3,500 homes are to be constructed on 532 acres of land on the east and west sides of McClung Road at the far eastern end of Caledonia, at the corner of Caithness Street and McClung Road. 

As my recent postings about the matter (see here) have stated, it is unlikely that the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) will "permit" this massive development on what they will try to justify as unceded land without "consultation" and "accommodation" and conforming to their "protocol".  In other words, if past behavior is any indication of future behavior (it is), the HDI will be demanding their "cut" of the profits in the form of cash and land as compensation - otherwise there may well be work stoppages and other efforts to inhibit development until the developer caves and conforms to the demands of whatever Six Nations faction is "in charge" at the moment. 

Returning to the immediate situation of controlling access to parking in a public place, hopefully the OPP will be able to determine whether there are any permits that would justify these actions, since in the past this land has been used as public parking by visitors to the Fair.

Haudenosaunee Land Donation Parking

 

Entrance to Haudenosaunee Parking Lot

 

Porta Potty at the ready - back of building at Edinburgh Square

 

 

There were over 20 vehicles parked here (behind the camera position in the above picture), but people by in large seemed to be avoiding this option for parking.  It would be interesting to canvass the reasons why they were looking elsewhere.

 

The author will send someone tomorrow (Saturday) to see whether the enterprise is still a going concern, or whether they were shut down.  Perhaps it was only a Friday venture since the main parking needs will be on the weekend, and likely managed by County officials.  The OPP will, however, be investigating on Saturday to determine what laws may be being violated should this or any other group without permits attempt to control parking in this location.  Any further developments will be added here.

 

Saturday 27 September 2014:

 

Enroute to the Fair on Saturday afternoon my reader noticed that the parking donation sign was still up.

 

"Donation" Sign on Saturday



The parking, though not full at 3 pm, was at least 2/3 full meaning that that many cars had made a "donation".  A "new woman" was present, and she was asked whether the police had come to ask about permits and such.  She confirmed that the OPP indeed had been there, and that she does have a permit to operate the site (which I doubt very much).  She knew about a person who yesterday had taken pictures, and claimed that the police were told about this (as if it is a crime!).  Clearly the OPP chose not to shut down the operation, for whatever reason.

 

Relatively full parking behind Edinburgh Square on Saturday

 

 

While at the Fair, my reader approached two OPP officers to inquire as to whether the officer who promised to investigate the matter was on duty.  These officers seemed completely disinterested when it was explained that the Haudenosaunee had set up an illegal operation to extract money from unsuspecting visitors - it was unclear if they knew what the word "Haudenosaunee" meant.  One did promise to contact the officer who had called the day before and request that he provide an update.  As of the time of writing, Sunday 28 September 2014, apparently that has not happened.  If the officer does make contact, I will add an addendum here. 

 

As an aside, the "demolition derby" at the Caledonia Fair (the 8 cylinder car event on Saturday night) seemed to reflect some animosity (or was it friendly rivalry) between the participants from Ohsweken (Six Nations) and those from Caledonia.  One of the drivers from Ohsweken became so enraged at being knocked out the competition that he got out of his car (a no no) and went over the a Caledonia driver's car and tore some material out of it, then walked out of the stone ring.  This was the only example of bad sportsmanship I saw throughout the entire event.  All other Six Nations participants entirely played by the rules.

 

My take on this is that the OPP still have a "hands off" policy re Six Nations, and disrespect Caledonia residents.  We shall see.

 

Sunday 28 September and Monday 29 September 2014:

 

The much anticipated phone call from the officer who promised to personally investigate the situation has not materialized to this point.

 

As I recall, in years gone by, legitimate groups such as the Rotary or Lions Clubs have obtained permission to orchestrate the parking of cars on the grass behind the building at Edinburgh Square.  This year a militant Haudenosaunee group expecting that Caledonians will be content to contribute more to their own misery has somehow been able to turn the parking into a money making proposition to likely fund the legal costs of the HDI or general funds used to push forward invalid land claims.  It was not been stopped by the OPP.  Did the group have permits to engage in this behavior from Haldimand County?  If so that is truly bizarre.  If there were no permits, then once again the OPP has shown its true colours - yellow.  Thus we can predict what is likely to transpire this coming weekend when another Hereditary Council affiliated group will shut down Highway 6 all day on Saturday and Sunday.  At present, my prediction is that the OPP will do nothing in the way of policing, but simply guide motorists toward alternate routes.  Time will tell.  I always attempt to give our Provincial police force the benefit of the doubt, but time and time again have been bitterly disappointed.

 

DeYo. 

 



The Perimeter of the Fence Around DCE (Kanonhstaton), and Appearance of the Site, as of 25 September 2014

Having been out of country for the last while, I was curious to see for myself what the new chain link fence at the former Douglas Creek Estates property looked like, and how it fit into the landscape.  Recall that this structure was placed on land owned by the Province of Ontario, without their permission.  The group that had prime responsibility for erecting the fence was the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) under the leadership of their very vocal Director, and with the advice of their non - Native legal representative who, however, according to those who defend a non - Native licenced lawyer involving themselves in such questionable dealings, is "of a good mind".

Anyway, what follows is a series of pictures taken on site to allow readers to see the "progress" being made - all the while the Province and County stand by idly apparently not knowing what to do here.  The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) of course is standing down - but in this case I will give them the benefit of the doubt.  I seriously doubt that any one at any level of government has requested that they intervene and stop the illegal construction of this "permanent" fence (I examined it carefully and it is meant to last).  Here follow the images with statements about location:



"Welcome to Six Nations" - although it is NOT Six Nations land

Looking south from the entrance to Surrey Street

"Entrance" to Surrey Street - Note part of stolen Hydro One tower still in place



Looking west along Surrey Street to one remaining intact building (other than the "gatehouse")
  

The "land protectors "have been hard at work

A gate post for the supposed "aesthetically pleasing" gate (yet to be installed)

 

 

Chain link fence extending south from above gate

 

 

Gate and fence at Braemar and Thistlemoor cul de sac

 

 

Fence from gate looking west at cul de sac

 

 Assessment:  The fence is substantial, and as chain link fences go, is not in any way tacky.  The entire perimeter of DCE is not covered, but the "key" parts are.  It is likely a statement of supposed ownership (despite the evidence, which of late has never imposed any sort of barrier to conceptualizing what is true and what is false among many factions at Six Nations).  The main gate at Surrey Street has not been erected as yet.  All of the Mohawk Warrior flags have been removed (as of the date of writing), and there is just one Confederacy flag present, which is situated near the Surrey Street gate site.

 

It should be noted that one "sore spot" between Six Nations and Caledonia residents, the burned out big rig trailer from 2006 has been removed - to join the other burned out hulks (mostly cars and light trucks) on the Reserve, perhaps.

 

The 40 acre site is still the same topsoil stripped, tick infested, environmentally scared waste land - but of course it has "symbolic value" - but realistically is useless for any proposed purpose.  Those that frequent the place are angry, foul mouthed boors with no evidence of any class - ready to "do battle" with residents and to have even their young children yell the vilest foulest epithets at those who happen to reside near the fence.  This I have directly from those who have experienced these thugs and mini - thugs.  Their parents have taught them well.  This is what we can expect of the upcoming generation at Six Nations - more ill educated, unemployed militants who cannot live without the Government largesse, but who resent having to be dependent on the Canadian State - and taxpayers.  It is unfortunate that those who are enterprising individuals at Six Nations will tend to be tarred with the same brush - unless they speak out and state emphatically that these ill mannered aggressive loud mouths are an embarrassment to the rest of the Community.

 

At this point no one knows what will become of this fence.  I am guessing that all levels of government would prefer that that matter just be ignored as it has for 8 years.  Meanwhile the illegal claimants are attempting to establish ownership rights by default.  If they fence the property, and no level of government attempts to stop them, they will assert that due to [provide your own rationale], the land once known as the Douglas Creek Estates belongs to [add the group you think will assert rights].  Covetous eyes are being cast at other lands such as in Seneca and South Cayuga Townships - only the tip of a very large iceberg whose extent is anyone's guess since there are groups at Six Nations who want all of the Haldimand Tract under their control in one form or other.

 

DeYo.

 



Highway 6 to be Shut Down by Six Nations Militants on October 4th and 5th, 2014

In October of 2013 I began this blog, now with over 150 postings, as a result of one specific event.  I had been caught in the traffic nightmare caused by a group of largely youthful Six Nations members who were protesting the fracking for natural gas in New Brunswick and thus supporting the local Natives in that area who were then throwing Molotov cocktails at RCMP and other vehicles.  They decided to block Highway 6 (the main artery between Caledonia and Hagersville and primary north - south route) between 4th and 5th Line.  It was a "last straw" in my frustration with those at Six Nations who are so completely inconsiderate and ignorant as to inconvenience their fellow citizens in order to get a point across, irrespective of the legitimacy of the cause or consequences to others.  I don't mind saying that I was "blazing angry" and dedicated to extracting my "pound of flesh" from these immature largely young adult and adolescent individuals who were propelled and encouraged by a social media campaign orchestrated by a Reserve newspaper.  This group of youthful idealists and unemployed n'er do wells could not care less about emergency vehicle access or the possibility that people could lose their lives because of the recklessness of their actions.  I vowed to do my part in bringing information (evidence, data) to a situation where factions at Six Nations were making completely unsupported, but widely believed, statements (e.g., about the significance of the Two Row Wampum "treaty") that no one at the time was challenging.

What galled me even more about the road blockage, however, was that the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stood by and acted as traffic cops instead of arresting the perpetrators.  Later, when the OPP had the opportunity to lay charges in the matter, they refused.  Without a shadow of a doubt, if any White person or group had decided to block Highway 6, within nanoseconds they would be hauled away and the road re-opened.  This hypocrisy and two - tiered policing has been something that our local Haldimand County community has endured for 8 years since the violent take over of the Douglas Creek Estates by Six Nations militants - effectively castrating the OPP and allowing Six Nations radicals to run rampant. 

So, according to an announcement in "Turtle Island News" (TIN) of 17 September 2014 (p.3) entitled, Highway 6 to be shut down, it is "deja vu" one year later.

Specifically, The Six Nations Men's Fire group says it will shut down Highway 6 at fourth Line October 4 and 5th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to draw attention to Missing and Murdered Women.  Some further details about this illegal and disruptive plan can be found in a recent article in "Two Row Times" seen here.   Similarly, an article in "The Sachem" about this subject was published recently and can be seen here.

As to the legitimacy of "the cause", it should be noted that groups such as radicals from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Eastern Ontario have used a very similar course of action, blocking the main rail line between Montreal and Toronto.  This caused major disruptions to individuals, and millions of dollars in lost revenue to the railways and those who ship via this route.  The rationale was the same, the "demand" for an inquiry into the murdered and missing Native women.  As to the facts, I am not aware that the "missing and murdered" problem is impacting the Six Nations or the Tyendinaga Reserves.  It is a problem that seems linked to the most isolated reserves largely in the northern communities.  The problem is social isolation, boredom, alcoholism, gasoline sniffing, drug abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, domestic violence, sexual assaults, rampant incest, poverty, hopelessness, depression, suicide and on and on with a litany of problems that do not require a special inquiry.  We know that the problem can be traced to the extremely dysfunctional situation on northern reserves which result in Native women leaving their home communities with no skills and few street smarts.  They are disadvantaged and are ripe for the pickings of predators due to the vulnerability of these women.  Many are virtually forced by circumstances to turn to the sex trade to support themselves (and often their drug addiction) - again, among the most riskiest of endeavours.  The unfortunate women from abusive environments and dysfunctional communities are far more likely to engage in very reckless actions such as hitch hiking, a notoriously dangerous behavior in this day and age, and are then selected as targets by those who would prey on the weak and vulnerable.  The Loretta Saunders case is typical of the problem that can be linked to an abusive or chaotic home environment, and criminals (both male and female) who sense the opportunity to target them, victimizing these unfortunate women.  We do not need a national inquiry to tell us what we already know.  Two individuals were arrested in the Saunders case and here it was a law enforcement issue, as is the position of the Federal Government on these matters.  We have the perpetrators in custody.  As to the root causes, there is no easy answer as all potential "solutions" have been tried and most have failed.  Pouring more money into northern communities has not and will not work.  The problem is endemic and radical solutions have the greatest chance of success - but will be met with political outcry.  These reserves should really be closed and the people be given the choice as to where to move.  Many have come to this conclusion on their own, and Winnipeg in particular is home to large numbers of those escaping the tyranny of their former communities - although their vulnerability once again sets the stage for potential victimization.  The "blame" here can squarely be laid at the doorstep of the northern reserves which are unable to make any positive changes, often because of local corruption where chiefs and their family and friends profit from government largess, but the majority of the people live in abject poverty.  The sheer magnitude of the problem, which is impervious to local "solutions", will at times make any well intentioned efforts fruitless and frustrating.  The growing anger of Canadians, sick and tired of demands by Native groups to investigate matters that have been thoroughly explored, and where the ultimate blame can be placed squarely on the shoulders of the communities which are home to the missing and murdered women, is reflected in a very angry blog posting of 10 September 2014, seen here.  There is general agreement that it is high time that the Native communities and Native groups who have being loudest in "demanding" yet another inquiry into the same matter look squarely in the mirror before expecting the government which they disdain spend millions of taxpayer dollars (the Native groups do not need to pay a penny for the demanded redundant inquiries).  Perhaps if they paid taxes like every other Canadian they would look at things somewhat differently - but if it is someone else's money - what does it matter?  This is especially so especially when political hay can be harvested by garnering the sympathy of the left leaning groups who can be expected to stand in "solidarity" over any Native issue irrespective of the merits - making it look like large numbers of Canadians stand with them.  Those who have seen the numerous reports on the subject by the RCMP and other agencies will realize that the answer is and has been evident for many years.  The answer, severe dysfunction and social decay in the communities of origin of these missing and murdered women.  I suspect that these young idealists or militants of whatever stripe have never read in detail any of the available reports.

Returning to the events set to transpire in early October, the Haldimand County OPP (with the support of Brant County officers) now have a few weeks to plan strategy and take action to ensure that they are not enablers, but enforcers of the law.  As soon as any attempt is made to establish a Highway 6 closure they can move in with heavy equipment at the ready, as well as paddy wagons to transport the perpetrators immediately to the Cayuga Detachment Headquarters.  Only swift and decisive action will serve as a warning that these dangerous and illegal acts will not be tolerated.  One law for all citizens - nothing else will do.  If the OPP fail to act, then we have once again been abandoned by the law and the police force whose job it is to serve and protect.  If they refuse to do their duty, citizens have no choice but to form a Haldimand County Militia with the resources to do what the OPP should, but won't, do.  A phone call to the OPP immediately after the first announcement of the planned blockade brought a promise that the key officer at the Cayuga Detachment would return the call.  That never happened.

Clearly it is time for action to be taken on the part of the citizens of Haldimand.  Some possibilities include blocking the Chiefswood Road bridge which is a major entry point to the Six Nations Reserve for the same length of time Highway 6 is blocked.  Other possibilities include making citizens arrests at the Highway 6 blockade, dialing 911, and remaining at the scene with suitable numbers of other residents to await the arrival of the OPP or the riot squad (which should be at the ready).

I encourage all Haldimand residents to participate in expressing our complete and utter frustration with the militant antics of Six Nations members, and the impotency of the authorities charged with enforcing the law.

DeYo.

Another Caledonia 2006 in the Making - Threats Against the McClung Housing Project in Caledonia by Six Nations Activists

I hate to say I told you so, but ..............

November 2013: 

The monumental housing development which will see Caledonia double in size has received scant publicity.  I blogged about it back in November 2013 (see here), and predicted that the nonchalant upbeat attitude expressed by local Haldimand County politicians was very premature since it will without a doubt come to the attention of the Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) and potentially set the stage for another Douglas Creek Estates (DCE) 2006 violent land reclamation.  No one seemed to listen, or just played ostrich (head in the sand), hoping that nothing untoward would happen - magically or by some miraculous intervention. 

The HDI had laid out their agenda with respect to such developments (they have a "protocol" and expect "consultation" and "accommodation"), and it goes without saying (or at least should), that they will be sure to become involved in a mega project that could line their pockets with lots of cold cash.  That is their modus operandi.  They will demand to be heard separate from the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC) (who will have their own agenda), and eventually the potential exists for all hell to break loose.  It should be obvious, but with the warm glow of sugar plums dancing in the heads of politicians, all they could envision was extensive housing tracts as far as the eye can see immediately east of Caledonia, with a huge shot in the arm of the local economy, and tax revenues flowing endlessly into the depleted coffers of Haldimand County.  Idealistic and naieve I fear.

Somewhat later I began, but did not post, the following information update about the project:

April 2014:
 
Considering the magnitude of the proposed Empire Communities mega project, it is amazing that so little information has been found in the local newspapers.  I don't recall either the Turtle Island News or Two Row Wampum devoting a line to this housing and industrial complex that would be ten times the size of the contentious Douglas Creek Estates which was the subject of a "reclamation" and chaos that still reigns in the southern tier of Caledonia.

The Sachem provided a good overview of the plans as they stood in 2013, as seen described in my posting here.  Basically 3500 residential housing units are planned for the McClung Road area in the far northeastern edge of Caledonia.  With an estimated 10,000 new residents it would in effect be a second Caledonia beside the present Town. 

In The Sachem, Thursday 10 April 2014, p.36, is found an article, Developer hopes to get draft approvals this summer, we see how far this work has progressed - not far.  Haldimand County Council is "deciding whether to approve the draft plans", and there are still a few "glitches" to work out.  For example the Grand River Conservation Authority is not happy with the proposed changes to Seneca and Lindsay Creeks and the flatlands.  Of course everyone sounds upbeat, but issues such as "traffic impact" are significant in a town where driving and parking on the weekend can make for very frustrating experiences - imagine if Caledonia was double in size - the traffic alone would be a huge nightmare at best.  Try to imagine the bridge traffic alone - a guaranteed set up for frequently occurring road rage - despite the fact that Caledonia drivers by in large tend to be very courteous and considerate.  Perhaps the Caledonia Highway 6 bypass, if extended between Green and Whitechurch Roads would absorb some of the overflow.  Apparently, "The McClung proposal is the largest and most complex development that the County has had to deal with, according to staff".

The developer hopes to have four or five model homes built (as was the case at DCE when the "reclamation" occurred.

The only thing encouraging here is that, "no approvals have been granted yet for this development" - mercifully.

So with the prospect of this new development being on a far grander scale that the DCE, why have Six Nations seemingly ignored this proposed housing tract looming on a grand scale?

August 2014:

In this month "The Sachem" ran two articles on the McClung Development.  On 6 August 2014, the article, Council approves draft plan for 3,500-unit McClung development can be seen here.  If all goes according to plan (therein lies the rub as we shall see) this project will be the largest in the 13 year history of the municipality.  It was reported that, After going through the 135-page staff report, council approved the Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendment as well as draft plan for the 3,500-unit development along McClung Road in Caledonia.  Furthermore, Empire Communities plans to utilize the 532 acres of land in northeast Caledonia at the southwest corner of Haldimand Road 66 to create up to 3,500 residential units on the east and west side of McClung Road.

This includes a mix of singles, semis, townhouses and apartments developed over many years depending on the real estate market.

There are many further details about the specifics of this development to be found in the article, but which are peripheral to the point in relation to the potential reaction of the Six Nations to this residential development.

It is worth looking at the comments section relating to this article.

More recently "The Sachem" (22 August 2014, see here) ran an article entitled, Caledonia responds to 3,500 - unit McClung development.  Further information about the timetable is provided here:

“What we’re hoping to do is some earth moving this year [in the] late fall,” said Stephen Armstrong, manager of land division with Empire Communities, which includes grading to get the site ready for construction.

Armstrong said residents can expect to see model homes and a sales centre constructed on site next spring, and depending on how the sales go, they want to install pipes in the ground to service the first phase of the project next fall.

The project is now moving full steam ahead after Empire Communities received draft plan approval from council earlier this month for the development that could see Caledonia double in size over the next 10 to 15 years.

This article focuses on the responses of various community members to the development.  However, importantly, no one from Six Nations was interviewed here. 

While those who are long time residents are not entirely pleased with the whole matter, citing boxy cookie cutter units and inevitable traffic issues, those who are involved with the business community are understandably highly optimistic.  For example, Ken Parr, president of the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce, said he’s hearing positive responses from Caledonia business owners who are eager to see the growth in population.

“I think it’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for our community. From the business perspective, we are looking forward to having more commerce,” said Parr.

Once again the comments to this article are quite informative in and of themselves.

So, what will Six Nations have to say about the whole business, especially since their "reclamation" of the Douglas Creek Estates (DCE) in 2006 created anarchy and tensions that still remain to this day.  Their (HDI) negative response to the McKenzie Meadows Development immediately east of DCE, despite (or because of) the Elected Council's agreement with the developer which would have seen monies for a Native language immersion school provided for each unit completed, does not auger well for the McClung development.  The location of McClung, on the other side of the River and further away from the Reserve, may affect the dynamic (it would pose difficulties not seen at DCE in shutting anything down), but that remains to be seen.

I have followed the two Reserve newspapers since the McClung Development was announced last November, and did not see any reference whatsoever to this project that vastly overshadows DCE.  Since Six Nations (Elected Council, but particularly Confederacy Council) have asserted some sort of entitlement to be compensated in some fashion for just about every thing of consequence that happens within 100 or so miles, surely they would react - eventually.  Finally, in September, it appears that someone read the recent article in "The Sachem", and the word spread quickly.  The response is as follows.

September 2014:

"Turtle Island News" (TIN) on 10 September 2014 (p.7) published an article entitled, Confederacy/Band not consulted on Caledonia subdivision.  Here there appears to be an expression of surprise that, Haldimand County Council has approved a draft plan for a 3,500 - home subdivision slated to be built next spring but there has been no consultation with the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council (HCCC) on the massive project.

They further state, completely erroneously, that, The proposed more than $80 million subdivision sits on unceded Six Nations land only a few kilometres northwest of the former Douglas Creek Estates (DCE) housing development site in Caledonia that Six Nations people shut down in 2006. 

So it appears that once again, despite irrefutable evidence, some factions within the Six Nations community consider that the McClung land is on territory that was never included in a surrender.  This does not bode well for the smooth sailing of the development since everyone here knows what these words mean, especially when included in a comparison with DCE and the statement that it was "shut down" by Six Nations (in and since April 2006). 

Of course TIN, as the publishing arm of the HCCC, will no doubt have interviewed the Director and/or the non-Native legal representative of the HDI (although some within its power base at the HCCC, such as Men's Fire, have split with this enforcement wing of the Hereditary Council).  They do not disappoint.  The Director, said no one from Empire Homes or Haldimand County Council has consulted with them about the project.  Furthermore, no level of government addressed the obvious impact and infringement this will have on the Haudenosaunee treaty rights and our land base.  In the world of reality, since there are no treaty rights or "infringement" issues in the real world, it is no wonder that no one has made any effort to include Six Nations here - especially the HCCC which has no legal standing outside the Six Nations community.  The article also notes that the Elected Council (SNEC) has also been excluded from any discussions about the matter.  The Director of SNEC's Lands and Resources Department indicated that neither Empire Homes or Haldimand County has contacted them with the exception that the latter sent them a "notice of proposed development" as is standard practice in the voluntary "Grand River Notification Agreement".

In some twisted fashion the HDI Director maintains that the government must consult with the HCCC rather than SNEC (the legally mandated representatives of the Six Nations Reserve community) due to some obscure interpretation of a recent ruling by the Supreme Court that supposedly relegates the Elected Council to a mere administrative role.  The HCCC see themselves as the only legitimate representatives of the Six Nations.  I may see myself as the legitimate heir to the title of Duke of Northumberland, but that does not make it correct.

Once again we hear the militant and completely unsupported views of the HDI that the Elected Council is a child of the Indian Act and their role being to implement the Federal Government's, Indian Act policies designed for total assimilation of the Onkwehonweh nations of these lands.  The Director then as expected accuses the Ontario Government of walking away from negotiations (over the construction of the fence at DCE), making a, conscious decision to stand by the culturally genocidal policies of the Indian Act system and attempt to force the HCCC into its legislated process which is contrary to the principles we have as Haudenosaunee.  Now comes the part I predicted back in November of 2013 about the response of the same parties responsible for the unconscionable anti-social violent illegal acts perpetrated in 2006:

The Director, couldn't say if the project could spark another reclamation similar to Kanonhstaton.  Further, "As far as any action from any of 'the people', there is no way anyone can predict what will happen."  Of course there is a veiled threat embedded in all this, and there will be much more to come on this matter in the upcoming months.  Stay tuned.

DeYo.