On July 19, 2020, Land Defenders of 1492 Land Back Lane stopped the housing development project of Mackenzie Meadows boarding the town of Caledonia and the Six Nations reserve. Land defenders have taken this peaceful direct action to call attention to the ongoing aggressive development of their lands.
Background.
On October 25, 1784, Captain General and Governor of Quebec, Frederick Haldimand granted land to compensate Six Nations for the 4 million acres that they lost during the American Revolution. In the proclamation, the nations were granted land six miles deep from each side of the Grand River beginning at Lake Erie. This allotment of land is known as the Haldimand Tract.
Since 1784, the vast majority of the Haldimand tract has been unlawfully sold or seized by various provincial and federal government authorities violating the Haldimand Proclamation agreement.
In 1853, the Indian Agent sold the Oneida Township, now 1492 Land Back Lane, without the permission of the community and against the wishes of the traditional government.
The image demonstrates the land granted in the proclamation and what is now the Six Nations reserve.
Land Claims.
Land claims are really outstanding legal obligations. This is based on the British Common law principle that land cannot be confiscated without compensation. Current land claims are based on outstanding federal and provincial government obligations to compensate First Nations for land taken. The rights of all landowners are always considered in the negotiation process.
For decades Six Nations have tried to resolve concerns regarding land with the federal government. However, the crown continues to refuse to engage.
How Can You Support?
Educate.
As the land defenders continue to peacefully demand action, make sure you stay up to date on the latest news from the camp. It is imperative to stand alongside land defenders and to understand what is happening on the ground.
Check out the 1492 Facebook Page to get the latest information
Donate to the Legal Defense Fund.
As land defenders continue to be targeted by police there is a need for ongoing funds to support their legal defense. Money is being deposited into the land back lane account and finance operators will begin to distribute funds to assist individuals currently involved with the court system related to landback lane. Your generosity will go directly into action.
Check out their Go Fund Me page
Donate to the Camp/Build Fund.
A challenge has gone out to help supply the camp with much-needed items to sustain themselves. Until February 1, you can purchase any of the items on the list through Amazon.
Otherwise, you can send them an e-transfer through landback6nations@gmail.com and all monies will go towards the supplies needed to sustain the land defenders and the camp.
Write a Letter.
On January 27, 2021, a group of Haudenosaunee land defenders from Six Nations of the Grand River territory and allies will be in Ottawa to demand federal government attention and action. Until January 26, 2020, you may email letters to the Allies of Onkewehonwe via alliesofonkwehonwe@gmail.com.
Here is a sample letter that can be used. Let’s get as many letters as possible.
Calls to Action:
We call upon the federal and provincial governments to immediately acknowledge and respect the Two Row Wampum agreement and all UNDRIP principles.
We call upon the Ontario Superior Court to reverse their decision by revoking all injunctions against Land Defenders.
We call upon the OPP to immediately stop violently targeting and attacking Land Defenders.
