Kanesatake holds pow wow in support of ongoing land disputes across Canada
Residents of the Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) nation of Kanesatake west of Montreal held a pow wow Saturday to support Indigenous communities across Canada amid ongoing land disputes.
Kanesatake itself is in the midst of a dispute with neighboring town Oka, where tensions reached their highest during the 1990 Oka Crisis, and territorial claims remain unresolved.
“We’re taking it back and we’re not leaving,” said Kanesatake Council Chief Victor Bonspiel.
KAHNAWAKE CALLS FOR NEGOTIATIONS AS 'EQUAL PARTNERS'
Meanwhile, Kanesatake’s sister community south of Montreal, Kahnawake, is the site of an encampment along its border with Chateauguay.
Community members gathered on July 1 to protest a proposed housing development which they say encroaches on their territory.
Chateauguay re-zoned a parcel of land on March 15 to accommodate 290 homes in an area it says is within the city limits.
But, Kahnawake says the parcel of land falls within the boundaries outlined in the Seignuery of Sault St. Louis – an area of land given to the community by the French crown in 1680.
“This tract of wooded area is probably the last buffer we have between us and the municipality,” said camp spokesperson Karihwakatste Deer.
"We have sent numerous letters to people in government offices, the prime minister … even to Quebec's (Indigenous Affairs) Minister Ian Lafreniere and unfortunately, things have gone unanswered," Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer said in an interview with the Canadian Press Thursday.
"It's a very pressing issue for us. It's about getting our lands back."
Two protestors sit in an encampment next to where Mohawks are occupying a disputed parcel of land to stop a proposed housing project in Kahnawake, Que. on Thursday, July 8, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Two protestors sit in an encampment next to where Mohawks are occupying a disputed parcel of land to stop a proposed housing project in Kahnawake, Que. on Thursday, July 8, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Lafreniere said in a statement Thursday he encourages the municipality of Chateauguay to continue conversations with the Mohawk council regarding the housing project.
"The community wishes for that land to be acquired by the federal (government) in regard to land claims, so a solution has to be found rapidly," said Lafreniere, adding that he is in contact with Kahnawake's grand chief.
Days ago, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake renewed calls for their land claim to be respected and voiced its support for the demonstrators.
“We have always insisted on face-to-face dialogue to resolve our issues,” wrote the council in a recent news release, “and our relationship works best when we act in a truthful and respectful manner as equal partners.”
“This has not been the case from Canada in recent years.”
-- With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.