WATCH ABOVE: Saturday marked the 25th anniversary of the Oka crisis, which shut down the Mercier bridge for months and resulted in the deaths of an SQ officer and a Mohawk man. Billy Shields has more.
OKA, Que. – Some 25 years later, Mohawks say they’re taking the first steps toward reconciliation with the town of Oka.
The band is taking the weekend to reflect on events that started on July 11, 1990 with the proposed expansion of a nine-hole golf course.
The opposition that ensued led to the blockade of the Mercier Bridge for several months. Casualties were reported on both sides.
Years later, veterans of the Oka Crisis held out an olive branch while pointing out that the state of Aboriginal affairs has not improved.
As a group of Mohawks marched to the golf course and Elder John Cree gave a speech, tensions still simmered as golfers approached the ninth hole.
The crisis resolved in September of 1990, but many in Kanesatake continue to harbour mistrust toward the government.
The commemoration will continue this afternoon with a friendly lacrosse game.
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