Mohawks dispute development in Deseronto

A Mohawk chief is asking the federal government to stop a developer from building on disputed land in southeastern Ontario—reminiscent of thestart of a continuing standoff involving Six Nations protesters in Caledonia in the province's southwest.

Don Maracle ischief of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, a reserveabout 80 kilometres west ofKingston.

Hesaid the Mohawks, who are Six Nations members,never surrendered thenearly 8.5 hectaresof privately owned land in Deseronto where a developer plans to start building a new subdivision.

'We believe it's absolutely imperative that the developer should not proceed with the development unless there's some sort of arrangement made that's agreeable to our people.' -Chief Don Maracle of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

Much of the land has waterfront access to Lake Ontario's Bay of Quinte, and construction is slated to begin on Nov. 15.

But Maracle said the construction has not been properly negotiated with the Tyendinaga Mohawks.

"We believe it's absolutely imperative that the developer should not proceed with the development unless there's some sort of arrangement made that's agreeable to our people," Maracle said, adding that the agreement must be brokered by the federal government.

He said he has already met with government officials.

Meanwhile, Tim Letch, head of the development company that plans to build the subdivision, said he is also planning to meet with Maracle.

But he would not say he was willing to postpone the development.

"We're going to try and keep it along the lines of what's right," Letch said. "I believe the federal government should resolve the matter properly with the native people. But I don't think it's my responsibility to resolve it."

Maracle said he wants to maintain the peace in the tight-knit community where natives and non-natives have lived side by side for generations.

"I don't believe any of the citizens want to see any kind of quarrel among neighbours over the property,and I think we would like to see that harmony continue."

Near Caledonia, south of London,Six Nations protesters have attracted national and international attention since in February, when they occupied land that was slated for a housing development, saying it was the subject of a nativeland-claims dispute.