Tensions High In Caledonia After Alleged Assault
Posted June 10, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Attempts to find a peaceful solution to the standoff in Caledonia have been derailed once again after an assault prompted an angry confrontation between Six Nations protesters, town residents and police.
Native demonstrators allegedly attacked two news cameramen Friday, one of whom needed stitches for a head wound, and the victims claim O.P.P. officers standing nearby who witnessed the assault did nothing to stop it.
One of the men claims the protesters wrestled his camera away from him and took the tape out.
“The police were right behind me and I asked for protection,” Ken MacKay, a camera operator for a Hamilton station explained.
“I said, `I’m being assaulted, I need protection, they’re trying to steal my camera’ and nothing happened.”
On Saturday, the O.P.P. issued arrest warrants for seven people for charges in relation to the violent outburst, including attempted murder, robbery, intimidation and causing bodily harm.
The apparent police inaction prompted more than 300 town residents to gather at a local elementary school. About 60 officers in riot gear tried to push the crowd back from a chain link fence separating residents from the aboriginal protesters.
One man reportedly tried to pick a fight with officers and he was promptly dragged behind police lines and arrested.
Angry residents then tried to block the police van carrying the man away from the site.
Town residents and native demonstrators exchanged insults and some of the occupiers reportedly threw rocks and debris over the fence.
Six Nations protesters have been occupying a local construction site for more than 100 days. They argue the area was given to them in a 1784 treaty, but Ottawa and the province assert the land was sold back to the government in 1841.
Town residents expressed their frustration over the way police have handled the occupation, the incident Friday night, and say they just want this dispute to end.
“We’ve had enough,” Caledonia resident Greg Jenkins said. “It’s time for something to be done, you know. It’s gone on long enough.”
“We need some peace back in our town.”
Resident Lorne Lea said he’s fed up with the police.
“…the police did nothing to protect the person who was beat up here today. He was on his knees asking for help and all they did is watch,” he said. “The people have had enough with the police. That’s the problem. And the police have showed up in force tonight almost to provoke.”
Premier Dalton McGuinty issued a statement about the incident and said the violence “by an irresponsible few” was a “repugnant attempt to derail the important progress we are making.”
“It is our responsibility as leaders, neighbours, friends and community members to resolve this matter peacefully through dedication, perseverance and goodwill,” he said.
“That requires calm, understanding and respect from everyone involved.”
