The Aftermath of the Caledonia Blockade Summer 2017 - What Have We Learned This Time?

Now that a sense of normalcy (or an approximation since we live in Caledonia) has returned to the area, we can begin to ask some questions and formulate some potential solutions - based on the belief that most of us don't want to see a repeat of what I have described in the last half dozen postings to this blog.

First, if possible, if there is any way to bring some levity in to lighten the mood, that can only be a good thing.  The cartoon with the Editorial in The Hamilton Spectator of 7 September 2017 will strike the right cord:

Credit:  Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator

Please read the whole editorial, entitled, "The Spectator’s View: Tolerance for illegal protests must have limits" here.  The above cartoon hits the nail right on the head!

The cartoonist, Graeme MacKay, has a whole series of cartoons focusing on Caledonia - they are exceptional, and hilarious.  To see the collection click here.

The Six Nations Helped, But:  There is really only one exception I would take concerning the well written and well thought out editorial itself, and that is the "partially correct" statement that the situation was kept in check because there was pressure from Six Nations on the "protesters".  Indeed that was true, and the main core came from the business people along Sixth Line on the Rez, who, due to the blockade, were hurting badly as their profits dwindled to unsustainable levels.  They had a significant influence on the perceptions of others on the Reserve.

The reality is that perhaps 20% of Six Nations are supporters of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council (HCCC), and they are well aware that with dwindling Longhouse membership, they face the potential of extinction as a group in the very near future.  Maybe 20% are supporters of the Six Nations Elected Council (SNEC), with often only 3% of eligible voters turning up for the election of Councillors.  The rest are somewhere in the middle, somewhat apathetic, and / or sit on the fence.  There is complete disunity in relation to who should be considered the "legitimate" representatives of Six Nations - but as is so often the case, the loudest voice gets heard.

So I am not about to give Six Nations a pat on the back here, it was largely (but not entirely) self interest that ensured that this "protest" would make no headway and lose support with each passing day.  I can assure one and all that there are thousands on the other side of the Rez line (Oneida Road) who, given the right circumstances, and an issue that would galvanize broader support, would once again come together with cars, trucks, heavy equipment, ATVs and motorcycles pouring down Sixth Line to "do battle".  It would only take a different dynamic, then the telephone tree and social media would kick into gear and it will once again be "us against them" - as was the case in 2006 and largely from then until August 10th.

The good news is that many on Six Nations are jaded in relation to the methods of protest.  Also major protests are likely to be localized.  The bad news for us, it is localized to the eastern end of the Reserve - yes proximal to Highway 6 (from Hagersville to Caledonia).  While some "intense" activity might occur on the north side of Caledonia, logistically there will not be the likelihood of thousands participating when you have to go cross the bridge and thread your way through well established neighbourhoods to reach the site.  The OPP could "head this off at the pass" and so it would fizzle out fairly soon since key resources would not be available.  So forget about heavy equipment etc.  The south side of Caledonia will always be the theater of choice for any mass protest - it has all the right ingredients - and it all boils down to geography.  Lucky us!

Caledonia is chronically caught in the middle of matters that have nothing what so ever to do with them.  We are innocent pawns, and have to depend on the actions of our Haldimand Mayor and Councillors, and the OPP - but generally this means just allowing the situation to play out.  We are ignored by the Federal and Provincial Governments (with few exceptions, such as our local MPP).

Correct Assertion re OPP:  The main point of the editorial, that illegal protests should not be met with an OPP response of "standing down", is spot on.  Ever since the "Dudley George affair" at Ipperwash, the OPP have done everything in their power to keep out of any altercations or illegal actions which involve "Natives".  The situation got so bad in 2006 that they would not even send out officers to rescue one of their own stranded in the no - go zone.  Yes, we still have a two - tiered policing system.  Some actions will get a local from Caledonia arrested on the spot, an example carrying a Canadian flag near the Douglas Creek Estates - which is seen as a provocative act.  However those designated as "Native" can prance around the same area with a Mohawk Warriors flag and essentially be ignored by the OPP (at least in the past).  So when Caledonians see Six Nations Confederacy (purple and white) and Mohawk Warrior (red and yellow) flags flying day and night at DCE, most of us just see "red" and think "double standard", hypocrisy - this based on our experience from 2006 to about 2014 (when things became more quiet at DCE) - prior to the renewal of conflict in August of this year.

The threat of arrest is very effective in deterring criminal protest acts - as long as there is not the possibility of huge "reinforcements" streaming in from the Rez as happened in 2006.  That need NEVER happen again with the proper preparations (e.g., being proactive in blocking key access roads).

It is important to note, however, that if the criminal act is something significant such as assault or damage over say $5,000, and enough proof can be obtained (e.g., videos), the Six Nations perpetrator will be arrested later either by the OPP, or on their behalf by the Six Nations Police.  The "Native" will then be charged, held in custody, a Court date set, and if the evidence is compelling, the person will be found guilty and fined, jailed, or more likely given a warning.

Based on the highly efficient and tactically sound approach used to dismantle the Highway 6 Bypass blockade on 5 September; and the rapid response to the attempt to blockade both the railway and the bypass, maybe we are in the process of seeing a "new and improved" OPP, one which will do us proud, I need to see a little more evidence of this.

Suggestions:  I will make a direct request to the OPP, the next time (there will be a next time unfortunately) please step in immediately to clear the road (Argyle Street South) and arrest those who are in the process of committing illegal acts on the spot.  This would indicate that the OPP I once respected was returned to the Province.  Perhaps moving past the unfortunate Ipperwash situation and simply applying the same law in the same way to each and every person would go a long way to meeting that end.

If circumstances would be more favourable by a slight delay, that certainly makes sense.  If for example, it means blocking 5th, 6th, and 7th Line with the help of the Six Nations Police, as well as the junction of Argyle Street South and the Caledonia Bypass - that would probably be a more productive approach - and we can change "immediately" to "as soon as all the ducks are lined up in a row".  If there is a choice, operations after dark, and in the rain, will have a greater chance of success.  The use of drones and a "ghetto bird" (helicopter with a night sun) or even better two, will also help ensure what situation might await - especially when used with bull horns.  The chopper also has a psychological effect, and sends the message that arrest is immanent - and will likely send all but the most stubborn scurrying.  If a bearcat and well supported SWAT team can be arranged, so much the better.

The point is that negotiation does not work with these "land protectors" (thugs), history has taught us this over and over.

The Protesters Presently at DCE:  The disgruntled "protesters" have returned to their "headquarters", so now again assemble on the other side of the gate at DCE to "lick their wounds", and plan their next move - like snakes coiled and ready to strike.  The "weapon of choice", when action is taken, will of course be the remnants of the Hydro One tower which stands at the ready, by the gate, poised to spring into action (or more correctly be hauled 50 feet to the middle of Argyle Street South).

Considering that among the road "debris" deposited by the "protesters", and removed by the Ministry of Transport contractor, were tires, many will find the following cartoon again hits its mark:

Graeme MacKay

I lived through the Hagersville Tire Fire of 1990 where 14 million tires burned for weeks and we were under constant threat of evacuation.  The fire was ignited by a group of young worthies from Six Nations (see here) - who did jail time for their misdeeds.  Back in those days it did not matter if you were from Six Nations or Hagersville, if you did the crime, you did the time - no double standard.  The "tire fire technique" was pressed into service by these great "land protectors" again during the 2006 mega conflict, and on numerous other occasions which have received less attention - and apparently tire fires were part of the plan for the Highway 6 Caledonia bypass.

Indeed, as per the question posed in the heading to this posting, we have learned that the Six Nations "protesters" are characterized by considerable "continuity" in their behavioural repertoire (they have little imagination, are highly predictable, and possess little of substance in their toolkit).

Will the Conflict Play Out at the Demolition Derby at the Caledonia Fair?:  For those who are aficionados of the arts and fine wine, you might want to attend our annual "demolition derby" at the Caledonia Fair (28 September to 1 October 2017) - click here.  At both the small car and full size car events (not so much with the kiddie cars), the Caledonia and the Ohsweken (Six Nations) teams have the opportunity to go at it and bash their opponent's vehicles to a smoking mass of crushed steel.  Sometimes the animosity between communities appears to take on a very personal aspect - perhaps this year even more so.  We shall see.

This just in:  I have it on good authority that the OPP has placed a padlock on the gates at DCE.  This, if correct, could be a significant development.  I will investigate, and provide photos, as soon as I return home.

DY