Tyendinaga

PHONE/FAX CAMPAIGN - ALL OF APRIL

For more information, see www.ocap.ca/supporttmt

(Friday, July 18th, 2008) After a decision by a Napanee judge, rendered at 10:30 am this morning, lifting a publication ban on Tyendinaga Mohawk Shawn Brant's preliminary hearing, Crown attorneys attempted to have the effect of the decision stayed, but failed.

At midday, only Crown prosecutors (no defence lawyers) appeared before a judge of the Court of Appeal, and convinced the judge to issue a stay. The media was ordered to "immediately cease reporting on evidence heard at the preliminary inquiry and remove all related reports from websites".

Then, at shortly after 5pm, lawyers for the CBC and Mr. Brant appeared before the same Appeals judge, along with Crown counsel. After substantial submissions, the judge lifted her earlier stay and dismissed the stay application altogether, ordering the publication ban lifted once more.

Ipperwash recommendations flouted in policing of blockades at Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

The publication ban on Shawn Brant's preliminary hearing was lifted today in a Napanee Court, making crucial evidence available to public scrutiny for the first time. The preliminary hearing dealt with charges arising from Mr. Brant's participation in two highway and rail blockades held by Tyendinaga Mohawks in 2007 to pressure the government to resolve longstanding land claim and poverty-related grievances.

Evidence released includes the testimony of Chief Fantino who, when confronted with the allegation that he failed to follow Ipperwash guidelines in policing Mohawk blockades, responded in part: "Those are just guidelines."

OPP Escalation and Weaponry at Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

TORONTO EVENT:
Tuesday, JUNE 17th, 2008
Cervecería
842 College Street West (just west of Ossington)

Shawn Brant Arrested on Trumped-Up Charges Once Again

**please note that circumstances on the ground continue to change constantly, so full updates are not possible at this time **

DETAILS FOR TORONTO SUPPORT DEMONSTRATION BELOW: COME OUT ON TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2008 AT NOON TO 720 BAY STREET

After a tense exchange this morning, in which the OPP informed Mohawk spokesperson Jason Maracle to get people out of the area or they would come in, the OPP instead disbanded a Mohawk roadblock erected on the perimetre of the reclaimed quarry site. This psychological warfare on the part of the police resulted in a tense face-off between the OPP and community members. At present, the OPP has removed one of the roadblocks on the Slash Road and pulled back, but remains present in the direct vicinity of the quarry in great numbers. At the centre of the dispute is the Culbertson Tract, land which rightfully belongs to the Mohawks of Tyendinaga. Community members have been occupying a gravel quarry site for over a year.