The 1990 Oka Crisis

Historical Significance

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A police emergency response team swiftly attacked the barricade by deploying tear gas canisters and flash bang grenades in an attempt to create confusion in the Mohawk ranks. After a 15-minute gun battle, the police surrendered and gave up, leaving and abandoning six cruisers and a bulldozer. 

Quebec's Minister for Native Affairs John Ciaccia wrote a letter of support for the natives, stating that "these people have seen their lands disappear without having been consulted or compensated, and that, in my opinion, is unfair and unjust, especially over a golf course."

The Mohawks did not give up but stayed in the park behind their barricade, armed for personal defense, and did not give up.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ranch, the city reluctantly called the federal government in with the army. The army made air reconnaissance missions, but no further gunshots were exchanged between the two parties.

Additional troops and mechanized equipment mobilized at staging areas around Montreal. There was high tension, and the area of the no man's land was only about 5 meters.


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Shamama :D