OPP statement on 4:30 a.m. raid on native protest

OPP NEWS RELEASE

********************** Protesters removed from Caledonia housing development

CALEDONIA, ON, April 20 - Today, members of the Ontario Provincial Police arrested and removed 16 protesters occupying a housing development in Caledonia, Ontario in contravention of a court order issued by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on March 3, 2006. The Douglas Creek Estate development was seized and occupied on February 28, 2006 with claims the land belongs to the Six Nations.

Clearly this is a difficult situation for all involved. At approximately 4:30 a.m. today, teams of officers trained in the safe orderly removal of protesters attended the Douglas Creek Estates, Caledonia and removed the protesters.

Officers were required to use the least amount of force that was necessary in order to affect some of the arrests. The site was secured, however a short time later the site was re-occupied.

During this time three OPP officers were injured and required medical attention.

Our officers showed tremendous restraint while confronted by the protesters with weapons which included axes, crowbars, rocks and a various assortment of makeshift batons. The community of Caledonia and Six Nations People have lived together peacefully for many years and at the end of the day we need to regain this sense of peace and harmony. While the police continue to be involved in this matter we also continue to hope that a peaceful and lasting resolution can be achieved.

We ask everyone to work with us in restoring calm.

The OPP will continue to monitor the situation with a focus on public safety.

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