Having spent three days in Tyendinaga, I will just share my views with what is going on.
It’s been a long three days, but nothing compared to the parties involved.
There have been many things said about what’s going on.
Is it right – is it wrong?
It all depends on what you read, watch or who you talk too. At least that’s what I think.
But for my part, it boils down to this – whose land is it?
If it is the protesters land – end of story.
If it isn’t, then something should have been done long before now.
Dealing with the protesters myself they have been extremely polite and understanding with the needs of the media.
Their greatest frustration in dealing with the media, is the slanted side some media take. Not telling the full story is just as bad as not telling the story.
Two media organizations have been turfed from the area by the protesters.
Over the past days I’ve witnessed many, many supporters come to bring supplies, today included.
Water, pies, wood and other supplies.
With the teachers holding a one-day strike in some areas of the province, parents brought down children to the area to teach them about what to do when you believe in cause.
Today, three members of the OPP liaison team visited the site on the invite from protesters yesterday.
Protesters were hoping for dialogue with the people who make decisions. Unfortunately that didn’t seem to happen today.
Being a witness to what was happening, there were a few tense moments during discussions.
An invite by protesters didn’t include a representative of the court office reading the entire injunction to the protesters. That was made clear to police at the start of talks.
Protestor Seth LeFort spoke to the three woman OPP officers about trust. LeFort spoke for at least an hour to educate those in attendance about trust and respect of Indigenous people.
LeFort’s point was very clear – they want a peaceful end.
One thing that may not be clear to the general public who read the news. Again, only speaking from the times I’ve been there. It certainly isn’t a “blockade.”
In the three days I’ve been at the site on Wyman Road south of County Road 2 in Tyendinaga, there has never been one vehicle or anything blocking the railway lines.
In fact, the ironic part, the only time I’ve witnessed anything on the tracks for a significant amount of time was today, when the OPP met with natives on the railway crossing.
At the end of their meeting, before the two sides parted ways, whether it was a peace offering or just a gift to try and break the ice, four jugs of maple syrup was given to the natives.
Police tried – but it was just weird offering maple syrup.
Over the past three days I’ve learned much about Indigenous people. It’s something I hope to continue.
Over the course of those days, I’ve said to many media and protesters alike – when anyone is on their land. Treat it with respect – treat them with respect. This is their house.
Frankly, that sentiment can be said wherever people go, but it applies more now than ever at this time in history.
Respect seems to be something that is lacking in society.
For what happens over the next few hours, or days at a railway crossing on Wyman Road in Tyendinaga – I can’t say.
What I do hope will happen is it will end peacefully – for both sides.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
