Media.Knet.Ca

Rocks, golf balls fly as Caledonia residents, aboriginal protesters clash - Canadian Press
 
CALEDONIA, Ont. (CP) - The ongoing peace process between residents of Caledonia, Ont. and Six Nations protesters turned violent early Monday.

"We had two sides lined up and they were escalating to the point where things were starting to be thrown at each other," said Dennis Harwood, spokesman for the Ontario Provincial Police.

Harwood said about 40 residents gathered in opposition to the aboriginal protesters shortly after midnight.

That number quickly grew to 100 residents, and that's when the projectiles started to fly.

Pebbles, rocks, and golf balls were thrown from both sides, hitting a resident, an occupier and an officer.

No one was hurt, but vehicles and property were damaged.

Police were able to calm the situation and ensure peace throughout the remainder of the night.

Six Nations protesters have occupied the site since February, saying the land was illegally taken from them 200 years ago.

The land, which used to be slated for a housing development, has since been purchased by the province.

Although barricades cutting off access to the town have come down, residents say they're living in fear because of the ongoing occupation.

Harwood said Monday's altercation was sparked by minor incidents that occurred Sunday, beginning when Six Nations children cut the middle out of a Canada flag.

"They were taunting at the Caledonia residents, then the Caledonia residents put up some signs," said Harwood.

Harwood doesn't know what the signs said, but he said they were offensive to the aboriginals, who tore them down.

The two sides have clashed before, notably in late April when about 500 non-aboriginal residents of Caledonia marched on the occupation site following a community rally.

Harwood said this type of behaviour will hopefully not hinder the peace process.

"Certainly, we're hoping that they'll let the negotiators negotiate."

Copyright © 2006 Canadian Press