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The crisis developed from a dispute between the town of Oka and the [[Mohawk nation|Mohawk]] [[Indian reserve|reserve]] of [[Kanesatake, Quebec|Kanesatake]]. For some time, the Mohawk nation had been pursuing a [[Aboriginal land claims|land claim]] which included a burial ground a sacred grove of [[birch]] trees near Kanesatake. This brought them into conflict with the the town of Oka, which was developing plans to build a [[golf course]] on the disputed land. |
The crisis developed from a dispute between the town of Oka and the [[Mohawk nation|Mohawk]] [[Indian reserve|reserve]] of [[Kanesatake, Quebec|Kanesatake]]. For some time, the Mohawk nation had been pursuing a [[Aboriginal land claims|land claim]] which included a burial ground a sacred grove of [[birch]] trees near Kanesatake. This brought them into conflict with the the town of Oka, which was developing plans to build a [[golf course]] on the disputed land. |
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As a protest against the planned golf course, some members of the Mohaw community erected a [[barricade]] blocking access to the area in question. The barricade stood for three months before the provincial police force (the [[Sûreté du Québec]]) intervened on [[July 11]]. The police used [[tear gas]] and then fired shots in an effort to disperse the Mohawks manning the barricade. More shots were fired in return, resulting in the death of a police officer, 31-year-old [[Marcel Lemay]]. Lemay would be the only fatality of the crisis and the killer's identity is still |
As a protest against the planned golf course, some members of the Mohaw community erected a [[barricade]] blocking access to the area in question. The barricade stood for three months before the provincial police force (the [[Sûreté du Québec]]) intervened on [[July 11]]. The police used [[tear gas]] and then fired shots in an effort to disperse the Mohawks manning the barricade. More shots were fired in return, resulting in the death of a police officer, 31-year-old [[Marcel Lemay]]. Lemay would be the only fatality of the crisis and the killer's identity is still unknown. |
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As the standoff escalated as the local natives were joined by members of the [[North American Native Warriors Association]]. The protestors refused to dismantle their barricade and the Sûreté du Québec established their own blockades to restrict access to Oka and Kanesatake. Other Mohawks at [[Kahnawake]] in solidarity with Kanesatake blockaded the [[Mercier Bridge]] between the [[island of Montreal]] and the South Shore suburbs at the point where it passed through their territory. At the peak of the crisis, the Mercier Bridge and highways [[Quebec provincial highway 132|132]], [[Quebec provincial highway 138|138]] and [[Quebec provincial highway 207|207]] were all blocked. Enormous traffic jams and frayed tempers resulted as the crisis dragged on. |
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The ensuing standoff and crisis caused a confrontation between the police, the [[Canadian Forces]] that had been requisitioned by the government of Quebec in [[Military Aid to the Civil Power |"aid of the civil power"]] and the Mohawk tribe. |
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When it was apparent that the Sûreté du Québec and the protestors had reached an [[impasse]], [[Premier of Quebec|Quebec premier]] [[Robert Bourassa]] requisitioned the assistance of the [[Canadian Forces]] in [[Military Aid to the Civil Power |"aid of the civil power"]]. This allowed negotiations to resume, although tension remained high. |
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Other Mohawks at [[Kahnawake]] in solidarity with Kanesatake blockaded the [[Mercier Bridge]] between the [[island of Montreal]] and the South Shore suburbs. They were able to do so since the southern end of the bridge passed through their territory. Enormous traffic jams and frayed tempers resulted as the crisis dragged on for many months before being resolved peacefully. |
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On [[September 26]] the barricades were finally dismantled. Although there were no immediate concessions by either side, the Oka Crisis precipitated the development of Canada's [http://www.psepc-sppcc.gc.ca/abor_policing/fir_nat_policing_e.asp First Nations Policing Policy]. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 02:17, 1 July 2005
Template:Current Canadian COTW
The Oka Crisis was an event which began on March 11, 1990, and lasted until September 26, near the town of Oka, Quebec.
The crisis developed from a dispute between the town of Oka and the Mohawk reserve of Kanesatake. For some time, the Mohawk nation had been pursuing a land claim which included a burial ground a sacred grove of birch trees near Kanesatake. This brought them into conflict with the the town of Oka, which was developing plans to build a golf course on the disputed land.
As a protest against the planned golf course, some members of the Mohaw community erected a barricade blocking access to the area in question. The barricade stood for three months before the provincial police force (the Sûreté du Québec) intervened on July 11. The police used tear gas and then fired shots in an effort to disperse the Mohawks manning the barricade. More shots were fired in return, resulting in the death of a police officer, 31-year-old Marcel Lemay. Lemay would be the only fatality of the crisis and the killer's identity is still unknown.
As the standoff escalated as the local natives were joined by members of the North American Native Warriors Association. The protestors refused to dismantle their barricade and the Sûreté du Québec established their own blockades to restrict access to Oka and Kanesatake. Other Mohawks at Kahnawake in solidarity with Kanesatake blockaded the Mercier Bridge between the island of Montreal and the South Shore suburbs at the point where it passed through their territory. At the peak of the crisis, the Mercier Bridge and highways 132, 138 and 207 were all blocked. Enormous traffic jams and frayed tempers resulted as the crisis dragged on.
When it was apparent that the Sûreté du Québec and the protestors had reached an impasse, Quebec premier Robert Bourassa requisitioned the assistance of the Canadian Forces in "aid of the civil power". This allowed negotiations to resume, although tension remained high.
On September 26 the barricades were finally dismantled. Although there were no immediate concessions by either side, the Oka Crisis precipitated the development of Canada's First Nations Policing Policy.