Thursday, April 29, 2004

Indigenous unrest, and a similar situation to that of Aymara, has been taking shape in Canada since January, when the Grand Chief James Gabriel brought in an outside force of aboriginal officers to seize control of the police department. Opponents responded by burning down his house, then barricaded the police force within their station for at least 24 hours. Gabriel fled the community, with eight of the 12 Kanesatake officers who remained loyal to him. But the ousted Chief was back yesterday with 35 officers adorned in full riot gear. After a brief standoff the police decided not to try and force their way in. The Community has said that the Kanehsatake Mohawk Police station will remain closed until the Band Council elections in June.