The Nanaimo Historical Society presents: Oka Remembered: A Soldier's View.
=0D=0A=In 1990, when the town of Oka decided it was going to allow the expansion of a golf course on disputed territory -- including a Mohawk cemetery -- people living in the neighbouring community of Kanesatake rose up in defence of what they claim is their land. In protest of the town council's actions Mohawks barricaded a road leading to the golf course.
=0D=0A=After refusing a court injunction to stand down a volley of gunfire erupted between Mohawk warriors and Quebec provincial police officers, resulting in the death of Corporal Marcel Lemay. Mohawk warriors from nearby reserves, in solidarity with Kanesatake, barricaded up to 12 roads and bridges across their territories impeding traffic and commuters in Montreal's south shore.
=0D=0A=Quebec premier Robert Bourassa, called on the Canadian military to intervene and encircle the community with hundreds of troops, setting the stage for a simmering 78-day conflict where it was feared that frequent confrontations and skirmishes could explode into full-blown combat.
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=0D=0A=Retired Corporal, Rob McGuin, Canadian Forces Decoration (CD), will discuss his participation and the repercussions of that summer at the next meeting of the Nanaimo Historical Society.
=0D=0A=The Nanaimo Historical Society is a non-profit organization. Founded in 1953, the Society's mission is to discover, preserve, and promote the history of Nanaimo and central Vancouver Island. Annual membership is $24 for an individual, $30 for a family, and $34 for an organization. Membership includes a subscription to British Columbia History Magazine, the quarterly journal for the British Columbia Historical Federation.
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=0D=0A=DTSTART:19691231 DTEND:19700101 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR