Peace Village (Winnipeg, Manitoba) facts for kids
View of the steps of the Manitoba Legislative Building from the centre of the Peace Village demonstration
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| Date | September 1–26, 1990 |
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| Location | Manitoba Legislative Building, Winnipeg, MB |
The Peace Village was a special peace camp set up by Indigenous activists in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1990. It was located right in front of the Manitoba Legislative Building. The camp started on September 1, 1990. It was meant to stay open until a peaceful solution was found for the Oka Crisis.
The main goal of the Peace Village was to support the Mohawks of Kanesatake and Kahnawake. These communities were protesting near Oka, Quebec. They were in a difficult situation with the Canadian Armed Forces and the police (called Sûreté du Québec or SQ). The Peace Village wanted to encourage a peaceful end to this standoff. It also aimed to highlight important issues for Indigenous people, like land claims. Another goal was to show how Indigenous and non-Indigenous people could live together peacefully.
Contents
Key People at Peace Village
Many important people were involved in the Peace Village. They helped to organize and support the camp:
- George Erasmus — Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
- Phil Fontaine — Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
- Ovide Mercredi — Vice Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
- Gail Stacey-Moore — From the Native Women's Association of Canada.
- Art Shofley — An elder from Manitoba.
- John Harvard — A Member of Parliament.
- Terry Nelson — Chief of the Roseau River First Nations.
Why the Peace Village Started
The Peace Village began because of a big event called the Oka Crisis. This crisis involved a land dispute in Quebec. As the situation became more serious, people across Canada held protests. They wanted to show their support for the Mohawk protesters.
George Erasmus, the Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, asked all First Nations to offer more support. This led to even more demonstrations. In Winnipeg, organizers set up the Peace Village camp on the grounds of the provincial Legislative Building. This happened on the Saturday of Labour Day weekend. During that first week, the situation in Oka became very tense. The Canadian armed forces and police searched a Longhouse in Kahnawake. They then surrounded the Mohawk Warriors at Kanehsatake with fences and armored vehicles.
The Demonstration at Peace Village
Leaders and Organizers
Several groups in Winnipeg started the Peace Village. These included the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and the Original Women's Network. Shirley Olson was a co-chair of the Original Women's Network and a director of the AMC. She sadly passed away during the second week of September. A special feast was held at the Peace Village to honor her life. Phil Fontaine, the leader of the AMC, spoke often at the village. He strongly believed in finding a peaceful solution to the standoff in Quebec.
Community Support
Many people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, joined the Peace Village. About 150 to 200 people, including children and elders, camped overnight. They stayed for the entire "sit-in" on the Legislative Building grounds. The Peace Village grew quickly. By September 12, there were 39 tents and 3 teepees. The three teepees were in the middle of the village. The largest teepee was used as a medicine lodge and a place for volunteers to organize. It also hosted activities for children. The two smaller teepees were important symbols. They were used for spiritual support and to celebrate Indigenous culture. Up to 1,500 visitors came each day and evening. They gathered for speakers, ceremonies, singing, drumming, and dancing.
Friends and Supporters
Many people spoke at the Peace Village. These included Phil Fontaine, Member of Parliament John Harvard, and Chief Terry Nelson. The security staff at the Legislative Building were very helpful. They allowed demonstrators to use the building for warmth, shelter, water, and washrooms.
The lead singer of the Australian rock band Midnight Oil, Peter Garrett, visited the Peace Village. This happened when his band was in Winnipeg for a concert. The AMC welcomed him with a traditional song and dance. They also gave him a native blanket. He spoke about how his band respected the ceremony. He said they believed that recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples was the first step to healing the planet.
The environmental group Manitoba Eco-Network also supported the Peace Village. They asked Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to bring Parliament back together to solve the Oka crisis. Many other groups supported their statement. These included Concerned Citizens of Manitoba, Greenpeace, the Manitoba chapter of the Sierra Club, and Project Peacemakers.
The Final Day
On September 26, Phil Fontaine announced that the Peace Village would close the next day. This happened even though the conflict between the Mohawks and the Canadian Government was not fully over. The weather in Winnipeg in September can get quite cold. A spokesperson named Bob Macdonald said that the main goal was to "support Quebec Mohawks," and that had been achieved. Elder Art Shofley was sad to leave. He felt that being at the Peace Village was important. It showed a positive image of Mohawks, which was different from what the media often showed. He called the Peace Village a sacred place.
See also
- Mohawk People
- Direct Action
- Indigenous Rights
- Social Justice
