Revolution underway

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The revolution in Indian country is gathering momentum and there's little now the federal government can do to stop it.

It of course started with Elijah Harper's defiant and courageous opposition to the proposed Meech Lake accord.

But things really took off when Surete du Quebec police officers stormed the Kanesatake Mohawk blockade near Oka, Quebec.

Oka is now a rallying cry and an inspiration to aboriginal people across the country.

And there are other potential Okas in every province. The Brocket area could be the scene of the next serious confrontation.

Near there Peigan Band Lone Fighers have started work to divert the Oldman River, which runs through the northwest corner of the reserve.

And they're continuing their work despite the concerns of the chief and council.

Georges Erasmus warned the governments disenchanted young aboriginal people would start taking matters in their own hands if the serious issues facing their communities weren't addressed. His prophecy is now coming to past.

Governments can only be thankful there has been little violence so far.

The violence which did occur happened at Oka where Kanesatake Mohawks acting in self-defense returned fire when attacked by Surete du Quebec police officers.

Some very sill politicians rather than trying to cool the flames are making some rather intemperate remarks.

MLA John Gogo says if water is diverted by the Peigans, "be ready for the sparks to fly."

But the man who takes the cake - no, not Oka mayor Jean Ouellette - is Progressive Conservative MP Ricardo Lopez, who is enraged the army won't storm Mohawk blockades.

"It's a read joke, he said. "It's about time the army moved in to clear the scum off the bridge."

It reflects a numbing unawareness of the deep-seated reasons why Native people in Canada have said, "Enough is enough. We want justice and we will fight to get it."

The revolution need not at all be violent, if the governments recognize the legitimate rights of Native people and face up to their responsibilities.

The federal government finally did that when it appointed a respected mediator to resolve the impasse with the Mohawks at Oka.

It is that type of approach which will ensure the revolution is peaceful.