The events of 1990 will be remembered in history as one of the greatest confrontation between the municipal, provincial and federal governments and a native community. This conflict was not just about a golf course extension. This confrontation was about a people who decided it was time to say "ENOUGH" . Enough of the inability of the various governments, to come to terms with the issue of land Claims.

It would be useless to start pointing fingers solely at the governments in place at the time, these were no more than victims of bad timing. This conflict grew so virulent that it acquired a character of extreme urgency, and those present had to do their best, using the means at their disposal, to prevent the situation from getting even worse. The blame has to be shared by all political authorities who failed to address and undertake this task in a constructive manner, for the past 300 years. The extension of the golf course was the culminating point in a long history of negotiations regarding the land taken from us in the 1700's. This land was to be reclaimed by the Mohawks of Kanesatake, Land which has been promised on many occasions, but never given.

The conflict has been over for almost 10 years. The peace that once existed between the Mohawk people and the Oka resident is now back, but nothing is quite the same. Scars were left on both sides of the barricades. It was a summer of many emotions. The simple mention of these events triggers a multitude of memories still very much alive in the minds of all who lived the summer of 1990.

In the next pages we will explain the events of 1990. Specifically the events that happened in Kanesatake. It was here that the conflict originated on July 11th 1990 and ended on September 26 1990. You will see throughout the pages references to certain historical events. Most of these references can be seen in the history section. We would also like to note that The events at Kahnawake, although relevant, were part of a support effort, and not the root of the crisis. Their effort was of great help, and should be told by the people who experienced it first hand.