Violence may be only option, says Born With A Tooth supporter

Page 15

Violence may be the only option for Natives wanting justice, says a supporter of Lonefighters Society leader Milton Born With A Tooth.

At Born With A Tooth's sentencing March 25 in Lethbridge, Ken White Head said, "if Natives can't get justice through the court system, then we're going to see violence - I'll be there."

Citing the violent clashes near Oka, Quebec between Mohawks and police last summer, White Head said violence brings "focus to Native concerns."

He said the provincial government is attempting "to silence Milton but they're only drawing" attention to the injustices committed against Natives.

Born With A Tooth was sentenced to 18 months in jail on six weapons charges stemming from a Sept. 7 confrontation with RCMP at the Oldman River diversion site. The Lonefighters Society wants work on the $353-million dam stopped on environmental and spiritual grounds.

Canada has "two or three forms of justice, one for government, one for regular guys and one for Natives. Is that a just society?" Asked White Head, president of the Native American Students' Association at the University of Lethbridge.

Unfairness towards Natives in the justice system is "a pattern, this isn't an isolated case."

White Head cited the length of time it took Born With A Tooth to be released on bail following his arrest in September the all-white Fort Macleod jury that convicted him March 5 as evidence he was being set up.

Following four bail hearings he was released after his fifth attempt Dec. 19. During jury selection the Crown objected to two Native jurors selected by the leader's lawyer Karen Gainer. Lethbridge and Fort Macleod have also been often criticized for racist attitudes toward Natives.

Lonefighter Evelyn Crowshoe said most of Born With A Tooth's support "is silent because people are afraid of supporting him up front."

About 75 Natives and non-Natives packed a Lethbridge courtroom for the two-hour sentencing.