March to commemorate Oka Crisis Sunday

By Jamie McCallum, Montreal Gazette July 10, 2010

Mohawks from the town of Kanehsatake will take part in a peaceful march this Sunday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Oka Crisis.

On July 11th, 1990, there was a political standoff between the town of Oka, Quebec, and the Mohawk population. The crisis developed over a land dispute and lasted more than two months. One person was killed during the sometimes violent confrontation between the Quebec police and the Mohawk population.

The march will begin at 10 am at Oka Park and will wind up in Kanehsatake. Ellen Gabriel, who was the spokesperson for the Mohawk population during the Oka crisis, will take part. Two book launches will take place after the march.

The event is being organized by the group Solidarity with Native People, which came into being during the Oka crisis. A message on their website reads: "20 years after the Oka Crisis: Nothing has changed at Kanehsatake!"

Anybody in Montreal wanting to take part can take a free bus from Parc-Émilie Gamelin, leaving at 8:30 am. Those wanting to reserve a seat can call (438) 288-4081.

A full day of speeches and prayers at the Rotiwennakéhte School is scheduled for Saturday. The day is also part of events to mark the 20th anniversary of the crisis.

The mohawks of Kahnawake will be holding a 20th anniversary Pow Wow this weekend as well.