Near Hamilton, Ontario, people of the Six Nations (ROTINOSHON'NON:WE) are encamped at a construction site to prevent the further development of luxury townhomes on disputed land. Tension is building as police gather forces.
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Near Hamilton, Ontario, people of the Six Nations (ROTINOSHON'NON:WE) are encamped at a construction site to prevent the further development of luxury townhomes by Henco Industries.
The site is part of the historic "Haldimand Tract" granted to the Six Nations in 1784, in recognition of their military alliance with the British during the US War of Independence. Today the Six Nations controls less than 5% of the original tract. Much has been sold or leased away in disputed transactions.
Clan Mothers of the traditional Six Nations government are leading this protest. In the first file below, blockade spokesperson Janie Jamieson explains the background and spirit of this action. She was interviewed by Mostafa Henaway and Stef Gude of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty on April 7, 2006.
The other sound files are from a solidarity rally held in Toronto on Tuesday April 11. We apologize that not all speakers' names were available when we uploaded. Some highlights: Janet Conway talks about indigenous struggles internationally. Zainab Amadahy and Josh give reports from the encampment. Wanda Whitebird's closing comments reflect the high stakes in this conflict,and recall the death of warrior Dudley George in 1995.
The Clan Mothers have made a call for more solidarity rallies on April 12. People who want to support a peaceful and political solution to this dispute are encouraged to call: