Ron Doering offers his Top 10 reasons
Brantford Expositor, Canada - |
Government not honourable
http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1142552
The master of double talk and counting on what the public doesn't know is at it again full speed ahead. Federal negotiator Ron Doering states, "My mandate is clear. We will not put at risk people who have deeds to their land." Well, that's not really a concern for Brantford residents or Ontarians for that matter because only 12 per cent of land in Ontario is privately owned and 87 per cent is not; plus Chief Allen MacNaughton has said many times in the media that Six Nations is not about to kick anyone out of their homes.
It clearly appears to me that a temporary freeze on new development is what Six Nations is asking for in the name of real justice and until the claims are settled. Doering also states, "The federal government has no jurisdiction or responsibility when it comes to land development" and "We don't have a solution to your problem"; that is a very misleading statement! It has been brought out in the media that the federal government has indeed acquired land from the province in the thousands of acres, for the Uxbridge airport project so it very well can do that for land negotiations with Six Nations; how much does it cost to return unoccupied land to Six Nations? Not much in reality.
One of his statements that is particularly disturbing is "natives and non-natives have completely different 'world views' with no overlap between them." There are cultural differences so we should celebrate and respect them and not use it as a divisive tool. Many Canadians are in support of First Nations' land protection struggles and share certain values like clean water to drink, healthy families, a peaceful and respectful coexistence, etc.
As far as factions and divisions go, the reality is members of band council and the Confederacy were at the development sites recently stating no more development until the issue is settled formally. Besides, the way all the political parties across Canada verbally disagree on every issue and conduct themselves doesn't inspire the ideal of a cohesive Canadian society either.
I agree with one thing that negotiators are dealing with old facts and the facts are the governing bodies of Canada are still actively pursuing First Nations land dishonourably. This large issue can be settled if government would just not be afraid to deal with it honourably. It's not the size of the issue that counts, it's how you use creative solutions to resolve it!
Tim Reynolds Brantford
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