Six Nations, Brantford:

Work stopped on Eagle Place housing site 'We're here to make sure that no shovel is put into the ground'

Posted By VINCENT BALL AND MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION, EXPOSITOR STAFF

Updated 3 hours ago

A Six Nations group blocked an attempt to begin work Monday on the site of a new housing development at Erie Avenue and Birkett Lane.

Up to 30 members of the Haudenosaunee Men's Fire gathered at the site of a 99-home subdivision at about 6 a. m. and didn't leave until early afternoon.

Their efforts prevented city work crews from beginning work to provide servicing to the site, which is one of five designated no-go zones in bylaws passed by the city and an injunction obtained in Ontario Superior Court prohibiting activities that stop construction work.

"We're required to be here. It's our duty to be here, " said native spokesman Dahwehido:geh, also known as Phillip W. Skye.

"This land is part of the Eagle's Nest Tract. It has never been surrendered, ceded or given up and it's our duty to protect it.

"We're here to make sure that no shovel is put into the ground."

As he spoke, Skye had a replica of the Two Row Wampum draped over his arm.

He said development of the site would damage the area's eco-system and he encouraged city officials to move away from developing vacant land.

Skye said Men's Fire members were at the site as ambassadors to peacefully and respectfully present their view.

They met with police to discuss safety during the blockade, Skye said.

The Men's Fire received a boost from a visit by Six Nations Chief Coun. Bill Montour.

"It looks like it's on a flood plain," Montour said of the housing development. "What are they trying to do here, build another New Orleans?" The proposed development is another example of how good farmland is being ruined and replaced by concrete, he said.

Six Nations people have an obligation to protect the land and the environment.

"Concrete doesn't allow you to grow good crops and, on behalf of most of us on the elected council, we're behind you on this one," Montour said.

City Mayor Mike Hancock declined to comment, citing the fact the bylaws and the injunction.

"It's a matter for the police," he said. Coun. John Bradford, who represents the area of contention, said he talked with various residents.

He said some in the area are supporting the activists, mainly because they either oppose the development or are in sympathy with them.

"These people perhaps naively don't understand that they are hurting the economic development of Brantford," he said.

"Even though they think they're doing a good service in their backyard, they're not. One group of neighbours is working against another group."

Article ID# 1200914 ....................................................

NOTE TO BLOG READERS: Eagle's Nest the site of this protest, is not part of a land claim because IT IS ALREADY PART OF SIX NATIONS RESERVE #40 !!! With this development, Brantford is encroaching on reserve land, previously on short term leases (in default), but clearly not 'belonging' to Brantford. However, it appears that the province has issued deeds and approvals and so has the Brantford City Council. This is the game our politicians play ... one level pretends it doesn't know what the other is doing, and they all develop (occupy) land and extract resources madly, evading the law. Our governments and politicians, all of them of all stripes, since Confederation and now, have openly defiled the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. We are still accountable for the Treaties the Crown made with sovereign Indigenous Peoples, the allies of the Crown in the founding of Canada. Canada legislates the 'existence' (status) of Canada's Aboriginal people, in the protection of the Crown, thus controlling all of their assets including the land and its resources. We call it Canada, and our economy relies entirely on the resources from Indigenous land - Kanata. The governments just stall. "Aboriginal and Treaty Rights" were "recognized and affirmed" 26 years ago in CANADIAN LAW ... the Canadian Constitution (1867, 1982). However, now there is such brazen and devastating encroachment on their land at such speed, that they are forced to respond. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Early report ... CKRZ NEWS 15 SEPT 08 Tekawennake News has reported that about 30 Six Nations residents were on hand to again defend their land on Erie Avenue & Birkett Lane in the Bell City. Morley Construction officials, who are to install new water mains for a proposed housing development at that location, were said to have met with Brantford, Ontario Police to determine a course of action. An officer was on the scene to serve a copy of a controversial injunction that was granted to the city to thwart demonstrations at other construction sites in Brantford and they were promptly removed after they were posted. Residents arrived at the site at six this morning. (Tekawennake News) (CKRZ)