Justice for Tyendinaga Now! (updated)

April 27, 2008

Justice for Tyendinaga Now! (updated)

After over 200 police officers raided the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory west of Belleville, Ontario on April 22nd, 2008 actions have escalated. On the evening of Friday, April 25th, the Tyendinaga community was again under attack, while continuing the blockade intended to protect itself and its "disputed" Quarry. Currently the Nation is surrounded by a wide police perimeter that prevents access to the Quarry.

"At the centre of the dispute is the Culbertson Tract, land which rightfully belongs to the Mohawks of Tyendinaga. Community members have been occupying a gravel quarry site for over a year," according to TMT.

Allies attempting to enter the perimeter are being turned away. Only residents holding valid documentation of property ownership within the perimeter are allowed entry.

Earlier in the week Agent Provocateurs were deployed in the local community to incite a conflict with the Mohawk Nation. The attempt failed but prevented local allies from supporting the Nation due to fear of police retaliation.

Police have attempted to dismantle the Mohawk blockade on Friday, and have beaten and arrested four individuals. These are Matthew James Kunkel, 21, Clint Brant, 29, Daniel John Dorene, 34, and Steve Chartrand, 32. They are scheduled to appear on Monday, April 28, 2008 in Napanee court. Prior to these arrests, Shawn Brent, 44, was arrested at a traffic stop allegedly for his role in preventing racist community members from attacking a woman and her child.

In solidarity, Six Nations' Mohawks in Caledonia have set up similar blockades at the Highway 6 bypass of the Sixth Line bridge and elsewhere.

On Sunday the OPP sent a message to the Rotiskenrekete at the quarry on Mohawk land. Previously the police deceived the men with the offer of a truce. When they cooperated, police officers closed in, violently assaulted, threatened to open fire, and arrested the 4 men. This second offer therefore was met with hesitation. According to the Mohawk News Network, the Rotizkenrekete responded to police by saying “put out a statement that our men did not have guns and that you lied, and then maybe we’ll talk to you.”

Ottawa allies have assembled at Dalton McGuinty's office with placards on Sunday afternoon. Fundraisers are also scheduled to collect supplies for the blockade. The Green Door restaurant is hosting a fundraiser at 6:00 p.m., Monday April 28th. It is advised supplies are to be dropped off. Currently in need are camping, medical, and transportation supplies.

On Monday morning, April 28th, SWAT teams have surrounded the Quarry and have informed the local community spokesperson, Jason Maracle the police forces are moving in. By the afternoon the police disabled one of the Mohawk blockades and are surrounding the area in great numbers.

Ontario allies have begun to converge from Toronto, Ottawa, Guelph, and London to support the communities at Tyendinaga and Six Nations. Supplies and transportation are in dire need immediately.