The opposition against the Caldwell claim has been loud and vocal. 

While they systematically demand full disclosure from the Caldwell band and from the government, they have also been systematically excluding the Caldwell band and the supporters of the Caldwell claim from their discussions.  At a recent public meeting in the Chatham-Kent community, members of the Caldwell office attempted to attend.   Although their prescence was supported by some community members, they were asked to leave. 

Evidence has also shown that the Caldwell claim opposition has been supressing support within and without their community for the Caldwell band.

This page is an attempt at an organized response.  On this page, we will include:

Letter from Theresa Johnson to members of the Chatham -Kent Community Network and town counsil (see complete list in letter below).

Sincerely,

A Caldwell Band Member

Tuesday, March 2, 1999

New reserve spurs protest as old as hills

By Jonathan Sher, Free Press staff

When long-time inhabitants near Chatham heard the news, many were shaken.

Some of the area’s best farmland had been targeted for settlement by people from a different culture, a different race.

"What will happen to our property values?" they asked.

Whites sent letters to Parliament. Protests ruled the day.

Such a scenario is playing out now as some residents try to block the creation of a reserve for the Caldwell First Nation.

Their protests echo those made just south of Chatham -- in 1849.

The target last century was the Elgin Settlement, 3,600 hectares in Raleigh Township purchased under the guidance of William King, a Presbyterian minister.

King had spent his youth preaching in the U.S. South, where he married a plantation owner's daughter. He later inherited the plantation -- and 15 slaves.

If King released the slaves they could be claimed by another white man. So he looked to Canada.

With the blessing of a few high-placed politicians and the financial backing of the church, the reverend purchased land to create a home for blacks.

When locals led opposition that threatened but didn't deliver violence, King didn't back down.

He publicly debated a leader of the opposition, Edwin Larwill -- a member of local councils, a school commissioner and editor of the Chatham Journal.

That might be a lesson for Caldwell chief Larry Johnson, who has shunned the Chatham media and threatened to cut off dialogue with those who question his cause.

Larwill and others failed to stop the Elgin Settlement, which was to become for many the last stop on the Underground Railroad.

Contrary to dire predictions, Elgin Settlement flourished, and in its mid-century heyday was home to as many as 2,500 people.

Blacks built a school so good it drew neighbouring whites, said John Leverton, a local historian.

"Whites thought the settlement would depreciate land, that their neighbourhood would go to pot. In fact, the opposite happened."

Sound familiar?

Descendants of original settlers still live in the community, now called Buxton, but most returned to the U.S. after the Civil War. Their legacy lives on in the Buxton Historic Site and Museum.

One wonders if history's lessons are as little noticed as Black History month, which passed last month with little notice in a region whose black heritage is as rich as any in Canada.

All that remains of the region's first black settlement is a plaque and a cemetery along the Ausable River north of Lucan.

In 1829, six or seven families fled restrictive laws in Cincinnati, Ohio, that required blacks to pay a $500 bond -- an astronomical amount for that time.

The black community sent a delegation to York, present-day Toronto, and was given asylum.

With little money to purchase property, the black families looked to abolitionists for support. Their hopes were answered when a group of Quakers donated enough to buy 320 hectares of land.

They bought land in Biddulph Township and called their new home Wilberforce.

While it wasn't easy for city dwellers to carve out a life in the bush, Wilberforce did well, its population growing as high as 200.

Settlers mingled with area whites, a black minister preaching at white churches, a black-owned inn hosting both races.

Abolitionists hoped Wilberforce's success would reveal a fallacy that propped up slavery -- the belief that one race of man was less capable than another.

But disaster struck when the settlement's leaders sent two members to raise money with abolitionists. One ran up a debt and the other pocketed collections.

Abolitionists withdrew support. Settlers fled to Chatham and Windsor. By 1840, almost everyone was gone. Only one family still lives in the area, Leverton said.

"It's remarkable nothing is known about Wilberforce," said Leverton, who's writing the first book ever about the settlement.

For parties to the Caldwell dispute, the lessons of history are in their backyard.

Free Press should report both sides of the story

Your newspaper seems determined to portray the members of the Chatham-Kent Community Network (CKCN) in a bad light, but I have yet to see or hear anything they have done that deserves this treatment. Your editorial cartoon of Jan. 28 was factually incorrect. The land the CKCN is protecting was never settled by the Caldwells, they have just chosen this prime piece of bayfront property as their choice because it is, indeed, very choice.

The CKCN has never slandered the Caldwell people. In fact, they have stated they are not against natives living in their community, but rather contest the way in which the agreement in principal was done in secret without the knowledge or input of the landowners and other stakeholders involved. Everything I have read from this group solely addresses their concerns at the government and the way it is handling the issue. What you do not tell people is the other side of the story.

I was shocked when friends of mine, who took their young children to welcome and speak to Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart about the future of their family farm on Jan. 25, were confronted with a native representative with a camera taking their pictures and also photographing licence plates. She told them she was doing this because: "We want to know who you are." This same person forced her way into the room where CKCN delegates were waiting to meet with the minister and took pictures of everyone at the table because, again: "We want to know who you are." [Theresa Johnson’s exact quote was: "I want to know who we are up against."]

The Caldwells had their opportunity to speak to the minister, but when the other side wants a chance they must deal with this kind of silly behaviour. Where I come from, this is certainly not neighbourly conduct.

The Caldwells say they want to be a part of the community, but this borders on intimidation. Please, tell both sides of the story.

Johanna Garwood

Morpeth

February 16, 1999

London Free Press

Letter to the Editor,

This letter is in response to the letter of February 14/99 from Johanna Garwood.

If the Caldwells want the bay front, I imagine it is their choice. Willing seller, willing buyer as they say.

As for the CKCN never slandering the Caldwells, this simply is not true. They have gone to any lengths possible to do things behind the scenes against Caldwells/Natives. One member has donated 5000 printed cards to be sent to Jane Stewart, Minister of Indian Affairs and to Prime Minister Jean Chretien, to change what is going on in south Chatham/Kent. These are put in store counters in Blenheim for people to pick up. I have talked to the 7-11 head office in Dallas, Texas and faxed a letter and copy to the regional office in Ontario. 7-11 does not want this happening in their stores.

Knechtels also had the same response. They do not agree with these cards being distributed through their stores. No other 7-1l or Knechtel stores in the area had these cards for display.

The "NOT FOR SALE" signs were donated and put up by CKCN members on some properties without the knowledge/consent of some property owners, and on most municipal/provincial posts. You know as well as I do that these signs were meant for Caldwell Nation.

When your friends were at this January 25 protest, I thought that it was a shame that these people would drag their children to an event such as this and have them carry these signs that were directed against the Caldwell First Nation. It is unfortunate these children are taught these things at such and early age. (1-4 years old)

The CKCN people did talk to me that day. When I went in, it was at least 4 hours before Jane Stewart arrived, so I did not break up a meeting. They just happened to be sitting around waiting for Jane Stewart to arrive, which as I said was 4 hours later.

I also went to the CKCN office the next day and introduced myself. I had a good conversation with Brian Lindsay who is employed by CKCN, but Stan Uher...he just wanted to argue.

This is only an example of a couple items. There are too many to go over here what has been said and done behind the scenes by the CKCN group.

I have lived here 3 years without a problem with neighbours or town people. Since CKCN has gotten involved, we have had problems, but we have also met a lot of good people that have been there for us.

CKCN has made no attempt to call us as they claim in the media. They speak with a forked tongue.

Theresa Johnson

Blenheim

March 30,1999

Letter to the Editor

As a Caldwell Band member I'm very happy about prospects of setting up a reserve in Chatham Kent. We'll be right on the edge of this new municipality so it shouldn't be much trouble to work out.

I am a World War II veteran, having been with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. During the war I was in Sicily, Italy and North Africa. My father was in World War II also, with the Royal Princess Louise Guards. My brother was with the Third Highland Light Infantry.

My family fought to protect Canada and to preserve land for the Caldwells. This is why I am so pleased that my people are finally going home for good.

"I am so pleased that my people

are finally going home

for good."

Just for good measure my younger brother was a Korean War Veteran. We did our share to maintain a free world.

Now that I am about to turn seventy-six it's good to have our First Nation awarded with a reserve, finally!

Some of my relatives have moved to the Caldwell Land Base already and I know a few more getting ready to pack for a move. I'm happy we are getting a reserve and hoping that the prejudice problem gets cleared up around Blenheim and Chatham.

Henry Solomon

Issue is fairness, not race

London Free Press

(April 3, 1999)

Regarding the Caldwell claim by Douglas Leighton (March 13).

Who is the author arguing with? Certainly not the community of south Chatham-Kent. No one in south Chatham-Kent is denying that the federal government should honour its outstanding historical obligations to aboriginal peoples. No one in south Chatham-Kent is telling members of the Caldwell First Nation that they are unwelcome.

"No one in Chatham-Kent is telling

memebers of the Caldwell First Nation

that they are unwelcome."

They have been and continue to be welcome; their presence enhances our cultural diversity.

It is frustrating and disappointing to watch The Free Press continue to "miss the point" regarding the community's concerns about the federal government's handling of this land claim settlement.

Our quarrel is not with the Caldwell First Nation. It never has been. Our quarrel is with the federal government for the secretive manner in which they negotiated this settlement -- with a complete lack of public consultation and a total disregard for its impact on the existing community. The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development's actions since the news broke in mid-December have done nothing to ease the legitimate concerns raised by citizens and businesses potentially affected.

First, the federal government announced a moratorium that clearly isn't. A moratorium is defined, at least in my dictionary, as a "temporary stoppage in action." When pressed, the department cannot provide a single example of something in the process that has slowed, let alone stopped. Their stated reason for the moratorium – a public education campaign -- has yet to even begin. Answers provided to the first round of questions raised by the community when Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart was in Chatham were vague and lack the specific information.

Second, the community has been subjected to a range of historical interpretations as to the legitimacy of the claim, including from historians employed by the federal government. Who are members of the community to believe? Gaining the community's confidence will be critical if we are all to move forward.

Third, there continue to be no long-term land-use guarantees, which is a matter absolutely critical in this predominantly agricultural and environmentally sensitive area. These guarantees are significant, given the potential complexity of a patchwork quilt-style reserve and the uncertainty era 25-year period for the band to assemble reserve lands.

This issue is not one of race, but rather one of the government treating all parties impacted -- native and non-native -- in a fair and inclusive process.

Art Stirling

Blenheim

April 6, 1999

Letter to the Editor,

Regarding letters and interviews by Art Stirling to various Newspapers. Specifically the article of April 3rd, London Free Press.

Art Stirling is one of the ones that started Chatham Kent Community Network and continues to be a part of that "community group". That "group" is constantly distorting the truth. They say their argument is not with the Caldwell First Nation. The Caldwell First Nation has been welcomed to the area by a lot of good people - but not CKCN. Let me give you some examples:

1. I had one flyer brought to me concerning a meeting at the Shrewsbury Community Centre about the Caldwell Indian Reserve. At a meeting in Shrewsbury hosted by the CKCN, when I and two others entered, two members of CKCN announced "We welcome our Native neighbours, GET OUT!" One lady spoke up and said "NO", We were then told by these two CKCN members: "GET OUT, THIS IS A PRIVATE MEETING!" Almost all of the Shrewsbury community spoke up and said: "NO! THIS IS A PUBLIC MEETING!" Now the Shrewsbury community made me feel welcome. Although we are not Caldwell, we are part of the community. Not only that, the meeting was over in 10 minutes. The Shrewsbury community walked out on them. They saw first hand for themselves what this CKCN is trying to do.
2. The CKCN group states they are not against the Caldwell First Nation. If not, why do they not attempt to talk to the Caldwell First Nation Office? I mean their claim to fame is all the concerns and questions they NEED answers for. Would it not make sense to be a good neighbour and ask the Caldwells?
3. The NOT FOR SALE signs are not meant for the Federal Government or Jane Stewart. After all, why would it concern them? They are not here on a daily basis, but the Caldwell First Nation is. The signs are distributed by CKCN. New signs are put up weekly or daily if need be. CKCN people are the ones that get these signs made up and they are also distributed through their office, which by the way is also part of Blenheim Publishers at 62 Talbot St.
4. Getting chain stores involved with distributing flyers and cards that clearly state to stop a reserve from happening here. I talked and wrote to some Head Companies and they do not agree with how things were handled here in Blenheim in their stores.
5. I have talked to a lot of people in the past few months about the history of the Blenheim area, especially in the past 60 years and about some of the residents that were here. I was told some amazing stories of how people were treated very badly right here in Blenheim area. Could it be by the ancestors of the now CKCN? The people that told me these stories were White, Black and Native.
6. CKCN does NOT speak for their community as a whole. As a matter of fact a lot of the community members disagree with what they say and do. I thank those that have come forward and let us know how they feel and welcomed us. Why does CKCN feel they have so much to say? Is it racism? CKCN has used the three-month moratorium, not to try and understand, not to welcome their native neighbours (as they said), not to get answers, but to do everything they possibly can against the Caldwells. Even if it means sitting in front of the Caldwell First Nation office and just watching. I have no idea why they are doing this. Only they know that. They refuse to wave and immediately look away. Dead animals put on yards. What CKCN claims in the press reports is just simply not true! There is so much more to say, but not the time or space in this letter.

 Theresa Johnson

Caldwells want security for children

I am writing in regard to the latest issue on the Caldwell Band and the residents who are angered about losing their property. I am a Native American/Canadian resident living in Windsor.

As a native, I feel that your newspaper [The Windsor Star] has been completely one-sided during this whole charade. Why write articles about the poor residents who might lose their homes?

Let’s go back to a very long time ago when the land was young and was roamed only by Indians. Did they have any kind of choice to the large armies that burned their homes and took their women and children? No, of course not because they were savages.

Now if you’d stop and think about how they are being treated this very moment regarding land rights and freedom, I think you all should reread the Canadian Constitution.

We cannot change history, but we can change the future. That means if these residents put up enough of a fight, they’ll keep their land and the Caldwells will not get what they should. I will not say the land is rightfully theirs nor is it rightfully the residents who live there.

"The land does not belong to us;

We belong to the land."

The land does not belong to us; we belong to the land. So I would recommend the media turns its attention to the state of the houses in which most of the Caldwells live in.

Take your video cameras down to the reserve and you will see broken down shacks, houses that great-great-great-grandparents lived in that are still standing but could fall down any moment. Then you will see why it is so much more than residents "losing" their land. It’s about generations of struggle and turmoil for natives all over Canada and the U.S.

All that these people want is what you and I want: a clean bed, warmth, and some kind of guarantee their children will live and learn their culture.

Nicole Miller

Windsor

 

 

From:  Chatham Daily News

March 17, 1999

Welcome Caldwells

Sir: I am shocked and appalled that the Chatham Kent Community Network (CKCN) should have to wait weeks or months to get answers to their questions regarding the Caldwell land claim. In my opinion they should have to wait decades or better yet generations, as the Caldwells have been forced to do. Why should the CKCN be "fast-tracked?" I would also like to address the assertion of the CKCN that the land should be "protected as agricultural land." This land has only been agricultural for a scant 150 years. A mere blip in the geological time frame or even in the time frame of the people who inhabited this area prior to our so-called civilization pushing its way into the forest that used to blanket the land. Would the CKCN have taken out options on 20,000 acres of this land had the government decided to expand the gem that is Rondeau by purchasing 4,500 acres and reforesting it, at fair market prices? Or if a developer had offered to build "estate housing" at, say $20,000 per lot? Or would they have rubbed their hands with glee as they hustled down to the bank?

It smells like Alabama in 1960

Something smells here. Something putrid and foul as if emanating from the bowels of our souls. It smells like Alabama in 1960 and Mississippi and "Jim Crow" laws used to suppress American blacks for generations. And I fear it’s happening here. Hopefully I’m wrong. Hopefully each person involved with these actions will look in their mirrors and address their private motives and should something ugly or less than just be reflected back, turn away in shame.

Welcome to the Caldwell band.

Geoff Hall

Chatham

 

From: Efordfire@aol.com

To the Editor of The London Free Press,

It is the policy of your government to settle fair land claims. I ask you, the so-called London Free Press, what is the purpose of this on-line debate? You’ve got Mr. Jerry Pickard MP, calling for a "new solution" at this critical time when the Caldwell First Nation is finally getting a fair and lawful compensation for land that was stolen from them. You are trying to create more unrest and division within the local populace than already exists. The way you have covered this issue beginning with your failure to initially report the facts about Mayor Erickson’s appraisal of this issue is in itself racist!

If Mr. Picakrd wants to change the policy of his government, then he should take it up through legal procedure and work at it instead of platforming popularity with the racist factions of Canada. Mr. Pickard’s "new solution" is cultural genocide or assimilation and rewards for assimilation, though he is frightened to say the word. Genocide has always been the policy of Great Britain, and the MPs of Canada follow in their footsteps. There are white farmers and industrialist families that own more land than all of the native reserves of Canada put together. Mr. Pickard is a racist.

Why in the world would a Nation who has it’s own culture as well as legal title to their own land want to listen to this obsessive/possessive racist whining?

After all these years of talking without listening, talking without asking and killing without remorse, the descendants of the crimes are now cowardly racist crybabies who can’t even play with the rules they’ve created. Sneaking around after dark vandalizing property, pressuring people to put up their little signs which should read "Already Stolen", threatening arson, drive-by expletive name calling, holding secret meetings with racist scum, holding public meetings to whip up the populace with unfounded fears about a situation that is none of their damn business are the acts of a despicable and ignorant people. Fortunately the good neighbours of the Caldwells and true Christians have come forward to express their support and to condemn local racist groups like CKCN (rhymes with "chicken").

And now the great "debate." What is the point? Do you think your paper will change the laws of the land? Are you by chance trying to sell more papers? Or are you promoting more disharmony and ultimately racism?

 

From: London Free Press

March 2, 1999

Letters to the Editor

Treatment of Caldwell had room for improvement

Why are we giving the long-suffering Caldwell people such a terrible time? Surely we can think of ore constructive ways to reward the hard-won success this band is finally realizing after hundreds of years of ignorance and injustice perpetrated by our governments?

Based on what I have been reading in the newspapers, I am horrified at the cold, obstructive and unwelcoming reception extended to the band. We can do better than this. Applaud the Caldwells for their persistence in claiming their legitimate rights. Offer welcome and assistance in realizing an end to their long struggle by cooperating with the band.

Monica Baker

London

From: West Lorne Chronicle

February 8, 1999

Editorial

Not in our backyard

About a half-hour west of West Elgin, in Chatham-Kent, tempers are flaring in a small community as residents are doing everything they can to avoid the possibility of new neighbours from moving in. Neighbours whom they feel will increase crime and poverty as well as lower property values.

More specifically, the community is Blenheim and the potentially new neighbours are the Caldwell First Nation. The 225-member Caldwell band does not currently have a reserve but after three years of negotiating with the federal government, the band is expected to receive $23.4 million in federal money, some of which they plan to use to purchase approximately 1,820 hectares (4,500 acres) of land between Blenheim and Lake Erie over a 25 year period.

In 1790, chiefs boycotted the signing of a treaty that surrendered aboriginal title to much of southwestern Ontario. They never received any land in compensation.

Now that they have an opportunity to purchase land to call their own, Chatham-Kent residents have organized themselves (Chatham-Kent Community Network) in order to stop the purchase of lands by the Caldwell First Nation.

The group has spoken out against the federal government and their lack of involving residents in the land negotiations, of which the government has admitted could have been handled with more public consultation.

But at the same time, residents have spewed such sentiments as a reserve will mean an increase in poverty and crime, as well as lowering their property values. And as they’re saying these things, they claim their feelings to not stem from racism. You mean to say that pointing to a specific group and saying they’re equivalent to "crime, poverty, and low property values" is not racism? Then what is it exactly?

This is in no way an expropriation of land by the Caldwell First Nation. No one has to give up or sell any part of their land. If no one sells, they can’t buy. But they have every right to attempt to purchase land and live wherever they chose. This is Canada, remember.

This is simply a "not in my backyard" mentality being shown by the current residents. Let the Caldwell First Nation have a reserve – just make sure it’s no where near them. Apparently racism seems to be alive and well right in our own backyard.

How about a new slogan for Chatham-Kent:

Welcome to Chatham-Kent

where everyone’s welcome.

Well, almost everyone.

Paul Mayne

Received: Saturday, March 6, 1999

I would just like to thank Chief Johnson for not resorting to the use of innuendo or slurs in his public statements. This is one of my main concerns re the CKCN. They make me feel ashamed to be white.

Ashamed to be white

There are real issues which must be discussed but the way they expressed themselves originally and with their sign campaign sickens every part of my soul. Keep up the fight and remember that the CKCN could probably meet at the Kent Club or the Rotary Club. That is the power structure that you are up against. They are the same ones that I rail against when it comes to contract time or even on community issues. It is going to be a battle because they are well entrenched in the local economy and power structure. I will be launching a large beat Erickson campaign at the next election. Vercouteren is a racist Old Boy who could use some education but Erickson is a small time slimeball. His record in the mayor’s office can attest to this. I will be compiling a list of mudslingers for that scum at the next election. Watch him, he’ll stab you in the back and then laugh about it with his Rotarian buddies.

Keep on....

A Concerned Citizen

From: The London Free Press, Saturday, March 6, 1999

Ottawa seeing the light

Regarding the Feb. 19 article, MP charges Ottawa erred in Caldwell deal, by Julie Carl.
 

MP Jerry Pickard wonders why the Indian Affairs Department has changed its view of the Caldwell land claim situation from the position it held for the past 200 years.
 

I suggest that Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart has been reviewing the historical data and is beginning to realize, as former ministers Ron Irwin and Warren Allmand have also done, that treaty-making between the original inhabitants of Turtle Island and the colonial/federal government was something less than fair and that it is time to redress those wrongs.

Congratulations to Stewart and others at Indian Affairs who are beginning to see the light and understand that there is still time for justice to prevail for aboriginal people in this country. And courage to First Nations people who must bear the brunt of our anger while we come to terms with our part in that history.

J. E. KONING
London

From: The London Free Press, Thursday February 25, 1999

Reform Party Suggestion an Insult to Caldwell

The Reform party has recently spoken out against our plans to organize a new reserve in Southwestern Ontario. I'd first like to say we place no credibility in what B.C. MP Mike Scott and the Reform party have to say.

Scott said he would like to see a "museum or cultural preserve" established for us instead of a reserve. To us, this is the worst possible insult. We haven't disappeared, but have every intention of establishing a home for all time to come.

In this part of the country, reserves were established on less than desirable land in out-of-the-way locations. In some cases, First Nation communities have been able to prosper through agriculture and tourism. On the other hand, colonial urban centres were established in the best possible locations with much government money used for infrastructure and other huge start-up costs. In fact, we learned that funds earned through the sales of Indian land were used to create urban centres in Southwestern Ontario.

The fact that Reform is an active political party is a shameful reality and Canadians everywhere should think about this.
Scott said he'd "welcome a meeting" with us. Our council is unanimous in saying that we will never meet with the Reform party or anyone who supports them.

Possibly, a few years from now, the Reform party will be no more than half a page in modern history books as a former embarrassment to Canada. Let's hope this turns out to be the case.

LARRY JOHNSON
Chief, Caldwell First Nation

From: The London Free Press, Wednesday, February 17, 1999

Caldwell reserve would be a step backward
 

The creation of a native reserve in Chatham-Kent is a step backward. The Caldwell First Nation people should be integrated into the rest of society, and, with the help of the federal government, given the dignity they deserve.
 

It is my understanding that the majority of the natives, especially the younger generation, do not wish to live on reserves into the 21st century. Seemingly, the majority of natives' wishes are not being served.
 

Because of the secrecy and lack of public information on this issue, hard feelings have already arisen and could further erupt. If legislation continues to go forward in this area, it will cause grave concerns for both the native people and other people living and working in the community. Some families have lived here for generations, are protective of their roots and dependent on their own resources to keep their family properties.

Do taxpayers not have the right to know what is happening in their neighbourhood? Land values are an important issue in all our lives. Since this issue could alter many lives and shatter hopes and dreams, due to uncertain land values, increases in taxes and other concerns, why would the government go ahead and allow this reserve to be created without input from local residents?
 

My understanding is that there are areas where Crown land is available and could be given to the natives, without the disruption of so many people. Why can't we go forward and fulfill our commitment to the natives by integrating them on an individual basis while at the same time keeping their culture?
 

The government should consider an alternative. Treaty obligations can surely be resolved in a democratic way, thus, making everyone happy.
 

EDWARD HALL
Morpeth

From: The London Free Press, Saturday, February 13, 1999

Caldwells deserve land

Regarding the letter, Questions for the Caldwells from Linda Clendenning regarding the Caldwell band (Jan. 16).
It is evident that Clendenning knows nothing about native people or the relationship between them and the federal government.

What does it matter if the land paid for and owned by the Caldwells is farmed or not? Years ago the native people were put on pieces of land as far away from white settlements as possible. They hunted, fished and trapped. Our men felt very inadequate. There was little for them to do and there were many unscrupulous people willing to trade liquor to the Indian people for beadwork, quillwork, etc.

Before the white man came, the land was there for everyone's use. Natives respected Mother Earth and took only what was needed. The hunters provided for everyone.

Each tribe had a territory and usually each respected the other's hunting and fishing area.

After being put on reserves, all traditional and cultural ceremonies were forbidden. Potlatches, powwows, sundances -- anything that required a gathering of the people, which was and still is so important a part of our lives, was not allowed.

It was 1940 when the U.S. allowed the people to resume cultural activities. However, it was 1951 before natives in Canada were allowed to leave the reserve without a pass and 1955 before the Canadian government allowed native people the right to resume their traditional and cultural ceremonies.

Can you imagine our government disallowing the traditions and culture of any of the multicultural groups in Canada today?

The Caldwell band has long been looking for a place to call home.

I wish them every success. They certainly deserve it.

SAM HEARNS
London

 
From: Chatham-Kent Community Network          

© 1999 Pickens-Slack.
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Last updated: October 16, 2000.