Rating: NNNNN
ON THE SEVEN SIX NATIONS PROTESTORS WANTED BY THE OPP
“The Haudenosaunee [people of the Longhouse] are a people of peace and do not condone violence of any form. Our prayers and concern are with those who were injured [in last weekend’s melee.] An investigation of [those alleged to have committed offences] has been launched and the Six Nations police have been asked to assist in this process. The weekend’s incidents are reflective of the misjudgment and reactions of a limited few. Those individuals will be dealt with in a manner harmonious with the Great Law of Peace.”
Six Nations Confederacy statement
ON WHY U.S. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS WERE ALLOWED IN THE AREA
“The reason [American officials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms] were in Caledonia was because we invited them to observe as a learning opportunity. Police departments throughout North America and the world always assist each other in situations where they can learn from each other. We’re never worried about confrontation. Our sole goal and purpose here is to ensure public safety.”
JEFF WARAVEN , OPP spokesperson
ON THE BARRICADES COMING DOWN “It was kind of aggravating to hear [McGuinty pull out of negotiations until barricades were removed]. The province knew we were working on this. We had a plan [to take them down] in the first place. The chiefs and clan mothers of the Confederacy recognize that public safety is a significant concern. We recognized that barricades weren’t helping negotiations. We hope the removal of the barricades will reduce the possibilities of future incidents. Negotiations were going well. At this point we’ve got parameters about how we’re going to do things and what’s on the table and what’s not.’
ALLEN MacNAUGHTON , Six Nations Confederacy chief
ON THE PREMIER’S HANDLING OF THE SITUATION
“The government completely ignored the situation until the barricades went up. What the premier is trying to do is bring the situation to a head by exerting a semblance of leadership [in demanding the blockade come down.] You’ve got to hope the situation doesn’t escalate. The Tories are playing a very dangerous game on this one, trying to be seen as helpful, but ‘Send in the cops, send in the army’ is what’s underneath their message. You saw what happened at Ipperwash. For god’s sake, we don’t need to be taking lessons from the Tories.’
GILLES BISSON , MPP Timmins, NDP native affairs critic
WHAT THE FEDS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE NEGOTIATIONS
“This table has been active, and progress has been made.
As the federal special representative, Barbara McDougall has the mandate to look at these broader issues relating to the Six Nations.
Even prior to the barricades going up progress was being made with the government of Canada working with the community and the province of Ontario.
MARGOT GEDULD , spokesperson, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
WHAT THE PROVINCE HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE NEGOTIATIONS
“No comment.’
JINETTE ALBERT , office of the minister of Aboriginal Affairs, David Ramsey
