Restoring calm in Caledonia is first priority of talks between protesters and government officials
By Marissa Nelson
Friday, April 21, 2006 | Updated at 4:47 PM EDT
Federal and provincial representatives have been meeting with native protestors behind closed doors at a Burlington Hotel since 10 a.m. this morning, but there is no sign when talks might end.
"Six Nations, Canada and Ontario are continuing our discussion aiming at a achieving a peaceful resolution for the protest at Douglas Creek," Mohawk Chief Allen MacNaughton said, reading from a prepared joint statement.
"All parties agree on the need to re-establish calm," he said.
Although a Brant County OPP cruiser is in the hotel parking lot, MacNaughton said police weren't involved in the negotiations.
Also in the talks is Michael Bruder, the lawyer for housing developer Henco Industries.
He said he was invited by the Confederacy.
"We're very upset about what happened with the protest," he said, referring to the crisis that erupted in Caledonia yesterday. "We would like to see a peaceful resolution," he said. "We hope we'll play a role in the negotiations:"
MacNaughton would not comment on how long the talks might last.
""We'll continue as long as we are moving forward. We're trying to get a peaceful resolution as fast as we can."
The group plans to release another statement later today.
View video report on the impact on businesses in the area. Video Report on Local Businesses and Impact of Stand-off
Link to Report
Video Report from CBC News
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Contents
April 2006 Reports
Last updated on April 21, 2006