The reason behind the blockade at Awenda Provincial Park in Tiny Township
John Hawke
by Andrew Mendler Midand Mirror
John Hawke has blocked off the main entrance to Awenda Provincial Park in opposition of the Williams Treaty land claim settlement agreed upon by seven area First Nations.
The 34-year-old Christian Island resident dropped a tree across the roadway at the park entrance on June 21 — National Indigenous Peoples Day — to make a statement.
“We are in opposition of land claim settlements that extinguish Indigenous rights and title to the land,” said Hawke. “This is the traditional territory of the Chippewas of Lake Huron and Simcoe.”
Last year, seven area First Nations, including Beausoleil First Nation, agreed to a $1.1-billion government payout over the controversial Williams Treaties from 1923.
Under the settlement, the First Nations can use these funds to buy land back and apply to the government to have the land added to their reserve land base — something Hawke adamantly opposes.
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