Unhappy anniversary, Caledonia - February 28

The Caledonia land occupation is fast approaching one year - a year that could dangerously slip into another. Ipperwash has now been in limbo for close to 12.

For many, the year has created a numbing acceptance of what would normally be an unacceptable state of affairs. Case in point - there are currently Warrior and Haudenosaunee flags flying above the Canadian and American flags on the main street of Caledonia. Would this breach of flag protocol have been the case a year ago? Would this be acceptable in any other town?

It has been a year of chaos, and a year of fear and intimidation. Many stories have yet to be told. So many people - on all sides of the occupation - have barely made it through the past year. Some may not make it through the next.

It has been a bad year for business, and has taken its toll on friendships, and - what used to be - normal social interaction at work, at school, and on the street. Ancient factions have surfaced and have magnified the impact of word and deed.

But, it has also been a year of new friendships, new awareness of one's neighbours, and new pride in the strength of one's community - whether it be Caledonia, Ohsweken, or elsewhere. Hidden talent, ability, and leadership have unexpectedly emerged when required.

To repeat, the past year has been untenable and downright dangerous. We have seen the failings, the weakness, the negative occurrences.
Government strategies have not worked. We have seen our Premier blame the federal government, assume provincial responsibility, demand an end to the occupation, and go to court to legally prolong the occupation.
All the while, our communities sit in limbo.

We've seen the Premier promise to compensate homeowners - but months after the cameras left town, homeowners are left wondering why the Premier would make a promise he has, to date, shown no intention of keeping. Given the urgency being felt by local residents, the perception of backroom politics further exacerbates local frustrations.
Most meetings are closed door and deliberations are rarely communicated.

So where do we go from here?

I believe the battle must be taken beyond the barricades, and beyond Caledonia. Until MPPs and MPs start feeling the heat, government has no incentive to accomplish resolution - and there are many ridings and many media outlets within proximity of the historic Haldimand Tract.

People on all sides must re-examine their strength and their resolve to find resolution - bearing in mind some do not desire a solution, but rather thrive on conflict. The next year can bring hope, but new effort is required - we can't simply close the book or change the channel.

We have seen a year of ongoing divisions between the two senior levels of government. The federal government produced a legal opinion stating there is no claim to DCE that would stand up in court - yet the Ontario government went to court for the right to allow the occupiers to remain on the site.

With such division between the two levels of government, and with the Premier's changing commitments, it's no wonder efforts to wrap this up have gone nowhere.

Unhappy anniversary - this coming February 28.