KANONHSTATON – Eight years ago, Six Nations land protectors led by a group of women including Janie Jamieson and Dawn Smith reclaimed 40 hectares of land earmarked for a 600 home housing development. The development was made without consultation with Six Nations and without the authority to do so, since the land was never legally surrendered for sale.
The land in question was specifically named as being part of a government recognized land claim, which was filed by Six Nations Elected Band Council, in the late 1980’s – early 1990’s, long before the aborted construction began. The traditional Confederacy Chiefs agreed as well that the generations-old dispute over the “Plank Road,” or “Hamilton – Port Dover Road”, should be resolved first.
Now, with the long winter behind us, some Six Nations residents are calling the people back to the former Douglas Creek lands, renamed Kanonhstaton. But this time it is to form a work-bee to help clean up the Kanonhstaton lands.
One of the organizers, Cameron Staats, is calling for Sunday, May 4th, to be the day of clean-up at the reclamation site and he is inviting everyone who took part in the reclamation, in one way or another, to an 8 am, Pot-Luck breakfast at “the house” to begin the day on the right foot.
The work will stop at noon for another Pot-Luck lunch and then it will be “back at ‘er,” as Staats says.
“Much blood sweat and tears went into our reclamation, but sadly, many of us have moved on,” says Staats. “What we fought for has gone to ruin and we can’t let that happen. Our Kanonhstaton remains like an abandoned child, so let’s make her a showcase.”
There is a lot to do, but many hands make for light work, and Staats is appealing to the Six Nations community and also to non-Native allies and neighbours, to join together to care for the appearance of the land for the sake of both Six Nations and Caledonia residents.
“Please look in the mirror,” challenges Staats. “That’s the person that will make a difference.”
Bring your own gloves, rakes, shovels, trucks and trailers. And don’t forget, it is a Pot-Luck so bring something to share too.
To find out more or to commit to come and help out, call Cam Staats at 519-732-5705. All of those coming with good minds and in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect are welcome.
