Barriere Lake Algonquins Occupy MP Office!
by Lia Tarachansky, Dominion Weblogs, June 26, 2008.

GATINEAU- On Thursday, June 26th, Algonquin representatives from Barriere Lake and allies assembled outside the Indian Affairs government building across the river from Ottawa. Their demonstration was a diversion, intended for a peaceful occupation in Birmingham, QC of Lawrence Cannon's office, the MP for the Barriere Lake region. The Algonquins demand a meeting with the MP to discuss the recent government ousting of the Customary Chief and Council as well as a re-election monitored by outside observers.

The Barriere Lake Solidarity Collective, based in Montreal, as well as Algonquin representatives from Barriere Lake itself have vowed they will not leave the office until their demands are met. They have been threatened with arrest, and are welcoming support from anyone who is willing or able to assemble in Buckingham, QC.

Algonquin media liaisons inside the office occupation were unreachable, but Django, a spokesperson of the Solidarity Collective answered a few questions. Speaking to the situation on the ground he described that “on the inside the police have asked some of the people to leave peacefully. There were three people that left [because they] weren’t willing to be arrested. [Those were] a cameraman and two Algonquins.” When asked what he predicts will take place later in the day, he replied “we’re still waiting for the demands to be met. The office normally closes at 4:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. so we’re thinking that’s probably the time [the police are] going to try and do the arrests.”

Interestingly, the police officers are on somewhat of a strike. “They’re putting pressure to get contracts,” said Djangon. “Except for the Sergeant, all the officers are wearing army fatigues or jeans because they’re kind of on strike. Essentially I get the feeling they don’t really don’t want to do the arrests. Most of them look like they don’t want to be here. They’re just kind of hanging out and don’t want to get involved.”

The office occupation it seems will continue until the demands are met or the occupying protesters will get arrested. Either way they will need support. “They’re thirsty, please bring water and food” advises Django. If the protesters get arrested, they will need jail solidarity, so please contact barrierelakesolidarity@gmail.com for more information or contact MP Lawrence Cannon directly, information provided on his site (http://www.lawrencecannon.com/EN/contact_lawrence/).

Lia Tarachansky's blog