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Topic spans: 1989 - 2000
The Oka Crisis
In the summer of 1990, all eyes were on the small town of Oka for a showdown between native people, Quebec police and eventually the Canadian army. The violent clash was triggered by something as simple as a golf course and as complicated as native burial traditions. The Oka Crisis drew worldwide attention, catapulting native land rights into the spotlight. (Note: Some clips contain explicit language.)
Image of Canadian soldier face-to-face with native by Shaney Komulainen/Canadian Press.
8 television clips
4 radio clips
Not on our land!
Broadcast Date: April 1, 1989
About 200 Mohawks from the Kanesatake reserve march though Oka protesting plans to expand the village's nine-hole golf course to 18 holes. The Mohawks say the expansion encroaches on their burial ground. Oka Mayor Jean Ouellette says the land belongs to the municipality.Not on our land!
• Approximately 1,300 residents live on the actual territory of the Kanesatake reserve, located west of Montreal.• The reserve is located on a scenic point where the Ottawa River meets the St. Lawrence River. The village of Oka is the home of one of the largest Trappist monasteries in the world.
Not on our land!
Medium: Television
Program: CBC Television News
Broadcast Date: April 1, 1989
Guest(s): Jean Ouellette, Clarence Simon
Reporter: Luise Massari
Duration: 1:46
Last updated:
July 14, 2009
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12 clips in this topic . page
Television
8:02
The filmmaker describes some harrowing moments in the making of her 1993 documentary of the Oka crisis.
I would like to make a note that this was a much more detailed problem than land or golf courses or burial grounds. It had to do with illegal cigarette sales and the rights of indians concerning gouging the tax loss from this. As an individual living in chateauguay quebec at the time I felt there was very little done to prevent this and to resolve the situation at hand. the most curious thing was the link of the mayor of OKA I believe who started the golf course was promply reelected after causing so much mischief
Submitted by: Anonymous