Six Nations, Brantford snippets http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/

Calnan clarifies his opinion Posted 1 day ago in News / Editorial

Over the past two weeks I have received many calls and e-mails from a variety of perspectives and people, in reference to the injunction the

Calnan, Brantford, on talking to Six Nations

... I believe that this war arises out of violation of treaty and over a claim to territory. The actions of the Haudenosaunee -- in occupying territory, in stopping development, in making threats of further action -- suggest that they are motivated in this conflict by a deep and historic sense of injury. Our response to their actions is consistent with a sense that we too are injured. I would not presume to say whose injury is worse, and do not mean to pronounce on the validity of any claim. I have listened to both sides, and to the mothers of families, white and native, who depend on the income from construction and the building trades. At this point, I believe that a universal moratorium on development would cause more harm than good, for all parties. ... I can only promise more struggle and long hours of sincere listening and consideration of every point of view and opinion. I dedicate myself to that work because peace between our people is worth the effort. People in Six Nations are willing to talk to us. In that, I think there is much reason to hope.

Misguided should find out the facts

Posted 1 day ago in News / Editorial

Whenever a North American Indian tribe, Indian activist group or members of a reservation make a decision to stand up for their aboriginal rights anywhere

Some of these misguided souls may have genuine feelings regarding the situation at hand, but in most instances, they appear on the scene just to promote their own peculiar brand of public mischief, based on individual feelings of inferiority and low social standing or subject misunderstandings. Others may claim that they are just trying to prove that we are all subject to the same laws and regulations and no one is above the law. It does not seem to matter to these misguided protectors of society that no one really cares about them or what they may or may not stand for; as they are, for all intents and purposes, an irritant similar to a rash on one's lower backside.

Sywyk on the bald eagles' returning, the development that threatens them, and the laws

Property should be for the birds, says activist Posted 1 day ago in News / Local News

A city couple plans to appeal a rezoning bylaw that cleared the way for a condominium complex on the site of the former Penman textile

A city couple plans to appeal a rezoning bylaw that cleared the way for a condominium complex on the site of the former Penman textile mill. Tim Sywyk and wife, Lisette, say putting townhouses and apartment buildings on the Grand River Avenue property will disrupt bald eagles in the area. "They've just started to return in the last few years," said Sywyk, who has been monitoring the eagle population along the Grand River since last fall. He's spotted up to eight eagles in treetops along the river, as well as at Wilkes Dam and the Cockshutt Bridge, near Eagle Avenue. Sywyk said he's not sure whether the eagles are nesting or "just passing through" but he believes the city has an obligation to protect the birds, which are an endangered species. Both provincial and federal laws make it illegal to disturb their habitat.

Tobacco farmers no more? Feds buyout quota

BUYOUT: It's the beginning of the end for some tobacco families Updated 1 day ago in News / Local News

DELHI — Years of rallying, protesting and lobbying by tobacco farmers have come down to a number — $300 million. This was the figure federal Agricultural

DELHI — Years of rallying, protesting and lobbying by tobacco farmers have come down to a number — $300 million. This was the figure federal Agricultural Minister Gerry Ritz announced to hundreds of tobacco growers Friday morning at the Delhi Tobacco Exchange Auction. He was joined by Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Haldimand-Norfolk MP Diane Finley, Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Joe Preston and Linda Vandendriessche, chair of the tobacco marketing board. “This is tobacco money for tobacco farmers,” Ritz told the crowd. “These funds will help growers leave the sector or identify themselves with other opportunities. No strings attached.”