Lessons learned from the Oka crisis | Power & Politics

Summary

The transcript reflects on the 1990 Oka Crisis and its legacy, drawing parallels with the current indigenous land disputes in Canada, particularly the ongoing rail blockades. It features an interview with Harry Swain, who was involved in the Oka Crisis as the Deputy Minister. Swain discusses the differences between then and now, such as the influence of social media and the broader scale of disruption. He cautions against using forceful measures like sending in the police, emphasizing the importance of patience, dialogue, and allowing indigenous communities to find their voice. The conversation touches on the complexities of governance and the need for careful negotiation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1990 Oka Crisis was a land dispute between Indigenous peoples and the town of Oka in Quebec, which resulted in a 78-day standoff and one fatality.
• 😀 The Oka crisis involved a standoff between Mohawk protestors and Quebec police, with the fatality occurring after police stormed the Mohawk barricade.
• 😀 30 years later, Indigenous protests are ongoing in Canada, particularly rail blockades, and there are concerns about potential escalation if police are sent in to remove barricades.
• 😀 Harry Swain, an expert on the Oka Crisis and former Deputy Minister, highlights significant differences between the Oka Crisis and current protests, including modern technology and communication tools.
• 😀 Swain emphasizes that direct political influence over police operations would be illegal in Canada, highlighting the separation of politics from police actions.
• 😀 Unlike in the Oka crisis, police forces, rather than the military, are more central in today's protests, with the federal government taking a patient and dialogue-focused approach.
• 😀 The federal government is attempting to engage with the hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en, but there is resistance to talks without the complete removal of the RCMP from their territory.
• 😀 Swain suggests that insisting on police removal might be unrealistic, comparing it to demanding North Korea give up nuclear weapons before talking.
• 😀 Swain advises the federal government to quietly encourage internal dialogue among Wet’suwet’en leadership to resolve the situation and avoid escalating tensions.
• 😀 There is a recognition that patience from the broader Canadian community will be crucial for finding a resolution, as economic impacts and employment concerns could eventually prompt dialogue.

Q & A

What was the main issue that led to the Oka Crisis in 1990?

The Oka Crisis in 1990 erupted over land rights between the Mohawk people and the town of Oka, Quebec. The conflict centered around the expansion of a golf course onto land that the Mohawk considered sacred and part of their traditional territory.

How long did the Oka Crisis last and what was its outcome?

The Oka Crisis lasted 78 days and resulted in one fatality, which occurred when Quebec police stormed the Mohawk barricade. The crisis ended with the intervention of the army and a negotiated settlement.

What are the key differences between the current protests and the Oka Crisis?

Key differences include the use of modern technology, like the internet and smartphones, which allow for faster mobilization and global attention. Additionally, the current protests involve broader issues beyond the criminal activities that were part of the Oka Crisis, and the police are playing a more prominent role than the army did at Oka.

What is the government's approach to resolving the current protest situation?

The federal government is prioritizing dialogue and patience, seeking to engage with the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs through meetings and negotiations, with a focus on resolving the dispute peacefully without escalating tensions.

Why do the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs demand the RCMP be removed from their territory?

The Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs demand the removal of the RCMP from their territory as a precondition for any dialogue, due to concerns about the police presence and its impact on their community’s sovereignty and safety.

What does Harry Swain, the expert interviewed, suggest about the federal government’s response?

Harry Swain suggests that the federal government’s response so far has been appropriate, but he advises against following calls for direct police intervention. He emphasizes the importance of patience, dialogue, and the involvement of the community in resolving the situation.

How does the current situation differ in terms of police involvement compared to the Oka Crisis?

In the Oka Crisis, the army was called in after a police officer was killed, and the police took a step back. In contrast, the current situation involves more involvement of provincial and federal police forces like the RCMP, but without the military intervention that occurred at Oka.

What role does the internet and social media play in the current protests?

The internet and social media play a significant role by enabling protesters to mobilize quickly, share information, and generate global awareness of the situation, which was not possible during the Oka Crisis.

Why are the hereditary chiefs' preconditions seen as a challenge to the negotiation process?

The preconditions set by the hereditary chiefs, such as the removal of police and halting the Coastal GasLink project, are seen as difficult to meet and may delay the start of meaningful negotiations, as they are viewed as non-negotiable demands before any talks can take place.

What is the potential risk of police intervention in the current situation, according to Harry Swain?

Harry Swain warns that police intervention could escalate the situation and result in unnecessary violence, as seen in the Oka Crisis. He emphasizes that a peaceful resolution through dialogue and patience is the preferred approach.