Podcast: Play in new window | Download
July 11 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the Oka Crisis. The Quebec crisis pitted the Mohawk community of Kanesatake against the Francophone community of Oka over the expansion of a municipal golf course onto Mohawk burial grounds.
After a year of unsuccessful attempts at reaching resolution through the courts, the Mohawk set up barricades and occupied the burial grounds. The conflict that arose resulted in a 78 day stand-off between the Mohawk, the Sûreté du Québec and the Canadian military. On July 11th riot police stormed the occupation, resulting in the death of police officer Marcel Lemay.
Remembering this event provides an important opportunity to reflect on how Canada, Canadians and Aboriginal people engage with each other and each other’s past. Continue reading