Summary
"For many, the 1990 Oka Crisis was seen as a defining moment in Native-Canadian relations. Answers to the all encompassing question of why the standoff between radical elements of the Mohawk Nation and the institutions of the Government of Canada occurred are complex and controversial. In reality, Oka was only one example of the culture clash that had been festering between various governmental administrations and First Nations Peoples for over 300 years. This convergence of cultures was made worse by successive governmental policies in relation to Native affairs and land claims. Equally contentious was the decision of the Province of Quebec to invoke the legislation of Aid to the Civil Power forcing the deployment of the Canadian Forces, 4,500 strong, to Kanesatake and Kahnawake. The actions of the Mohawk population, the various Mohawk Band Councils, the Mohawk Warrior Society, the governments of Canada, local police forces, the Canadian Forces and the media all made the Oka Crisis extremely polemic."--Abstract.