Aboriginal Rights

May 2006

The United Church, through the leadership of Hamilton Conference in consultation with Aboriginal groups, will continue to stand in solidarity with the Aboriginal groups currently advocating for their treaty rights in Caledonia. Our hope is that the Canadian government and respective authorities will see the situation as one more opportunity toward a relationship of justice and right relationship between Native and non-Native Canadians. As we watch the current negotiations closely, we pray for a just and peaceful resolution, and are committed to taking concrete actions and policies to make this a reality.

Background

The current crisis in Caledonia, Ontario, demonstrates that failure to honour Aboriginal treaty and land rights has implications for both Native and non-Native peoples in Canada. There are approximately 1,000 specific claims presently before the government of Canada, and while about 300 are making their way through the process; it takes approximately 10 years to resolve land claims in Canada-a timeline that is creating frustration and anger in First Nations communities. Like many other land rights cases across the country, the crisis in Douglas Creek has erupted over the lack of recognition of Aboriginal land and treaty rights.

Douglas Creek Estate-a 40-hectare piece of land in Caledonia, southwest of Hamilton, Ontario, has been the site of violent clashes between Native and non-Native protesters since February 28, 2006. Although the Douglas Creek area was officially placed as a land claim by the Six Nations in 1987, the disputed land was sold in 1992 to the current deed holders. The clash erupted when Six Nations protested the development of 600 houses on the 40-hectare parcel of land. The land, as Six Nations have argued, was never sold by Six Nations and continues to be part of the original Haldimand Deed of 1784 ceded to Aboriginal peoples of the Six Nations by the British Crown for their support as allies in the U.S. War of Independence.

Since protesters first began occupying Douglas Creek, The United Church of Canada has been visibly represented at Caledonia by staff and volunteers from the national church, All Native Circle Conference, Hamilton Conference, presbyteries, congregations, and Five Oaks Centre. They have been there in tense situations and have offered the support and reconciling presence of the church. Their involvement continues wherever they believe their presence can make a useful contribution. The Moderator has been in contact with all the congregations involved-Native and non-Native-to offer encouragement and support.

In letters to the Premier and to the Prime Minister, the Hamilton Conference of the United Church commended the governments of Ontario and of Canada for participating in the tripartite negotiations convened to resolve the Douglas Creek dispute and for its historic decision to negotiate with the Hereditary Chiefs and the representatives of the elected Council of Six Nations.

The General Council has reiterated this statement in its communication to the Prime Minister's office. In that letter, the General Secretary called on the federal and provincial governments to take all necessary steps to arrive at a timely, fair, just, and peaceful settlement that honours the right of the Six Nations to have their land claims settled fairly; including the recognition of land rights as a mandatory consideration when shaping the kind of development project taking place on land to which the Six Nations people lay claim.

The expectation that has been articulated in these letters is in line with the United Church position in support of Aboriginal land rights since the 1970s. Through numerous resolutions, policies, and actions, the General Council of the United Church has unwaveringly spoken to the Government of Canada endorsing the right of Aboriginal peoples to prior consultation, participation, and partnership in shaping the kind of regional development taking place in the land to which Aboriginal peoples lay claim.

To inquire about General Council's commitment to Aboriginal rights, please contact

Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit
The United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor St. West
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4
E-mail: Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit