McHale shouted down at Picton Meeting

Shouting yields to common ground

Posted By Luke Hendry The Intelligencer

PICTON — What began as a shouting match led to some meaningful talks here Thursday evening as the area’s Mohawk protesters and non-native residents tried to resolve tensions.
The meeting was organized by non-native Deseronto couple Cindy and Dale Welsh.
“What I’m promoting here is free speech,” Cindy Welsh said.
Most of the roughly 50 people present appeared to be allied either with Tyendinaga protesters or with Tenant Action Group, a Belleville-based social justice organization.
Welsh began by recalling her failed attempts to book public venues in Deseronto and Picton. After only a few remarks, she invited Gary McHale of the Canadian Advocates of Charter Equality (CANACE) to speak.
Based in southwestern Ontario, CANACE exists to “restore and preserve” legal equality for all citizens regardless of race, religion or nationality, according to the group’s website. The group grew out of the native land claim dispute in Caledonia, Ont. and Welsh said she invited CANACE to talk about citizens’ rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Many of those gathered, however, were determined to keep CANACE out of the meeting. Members of TAG shouted at CANACE’s McHale and, after Tyendinaga Mohawks joined in the shouting, succeeded in eventually drowning out McHale’s speech.
“They don’t want everyone to have the right to speak,” said McHale as he stood before a CANACE video camera and another member of the contingent took photos.
“I want him here so shut up,” Welsh yelled at the crowd. She later said her anger was a mistake.
Soon allegations of racism flew between both Mohawks and McHale.
Dan Doreen, a prominent Tyendinaga activist now on trial in connection with protests in Deseronto last year, urged all gathered to call for resolution to native issues. He blamed federal politicians for failing to resolve those matters.

“We should all get together and fight the federal government because it’s their inaction (that’s to blame),” he said.
“We would love to hear from the people who came here from Deseronto,” Nikki Storms, who has protested with both the Mohawks and TAG, said as she jabbed a finger at McHale. “You can go home.”
Cindy Welsh addressed the Mohawks, saying they “have a voice” but that “our livelihood’s affected too” when blockades are formed.
“Do you people even give a damn that we were put out?” Welsh said, provoking a bellow from Tyendinaga’s Jerome Barnhart.
“We’ve been put out for 300 years,” he shouted. “Are you insane?”
The mood calmed as McHale stepped aside, pledging, “We’ll be back.” Talks progressed even after Welsh began to cancel the “unproductive” meeting.
“Is there a way we can work together to get our points across?” asked Andy Leversedge, who had earlier told The Intelligencer he moved his family from their home near the Mohawk-occupied quarry in Deseronto because he felt threatened.
“What I’m trying to find out is how everybody can get what they want,” he said.
R. Donald Maracle, chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, watched the duration of the meeting from a sport utility vehicle on the edge of the park. He did not participate in the group discussion, though he spoke with various people, including Doreen.
The crowd split into smaller mingling groups discussing and at times arguing issues both related and unrelated to Deseronto.
“We have to deal with the violence that’s going on because that puts you people in a bad light,” Welsh told Doreen.
Doreen said protesters had agreed to hold a 9 a.m. community meeting to discuss the latest bridge blockade on the same day police arrived at 6 a.m. and began making arrests.
“Imagine if we shut down the (Highway) 401 together and said (to the federal government), ‘Come to the table,’” Doreen told Welsh. She responded by saying blockades weren’t to her taste.
“At least because of that bridge the government’s talking,” Doreen said.
The pair agreed more talks between native and non-native residents should occur, though no dates or arrangements were set. Doreen said he was willing to help find a venue on the reserve.
Though tension remained in the park throughout the meeting, there were smiles and handshakes as people on both sides agreed to talk further.
The meeting had been planned to occur on Elks Street, not far from the courthouse, but was moved to nearby Delhi Park. Ontario Provincial Police arrived around 6:30 p.m., telling those gathered that the Picton Elks club had a function inside the Elks Lodge.
People arriving for the meeting complied with the officers’ advice to use the park.
Welsh denounced the move but said it helped unify the meeting’s factions.
“It brought us closer together.”
lhendry@intelligencer.ca

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