Canada has had problems with informing people about their plans. All throughout history decisions have been made by the government that have caused conflicts with the aboriginal people. They seem to think that they can do anything and they ignore the rights of the aboriginal people. The Mohawks had no idea that the government wanted to build a golf course on their land until they were getting ready to do so. It is completely unfair to take their land without asking them.
Ever since Europeans came over and started assimilating the first nations the people have wanted independence. As they see it, they were here first, they shouldn't have to adopt the European ways. And since eurocentrism has caused their cultures to be minimized they want to at least be recognized as their own nation. They want to govern themselves in their lands. They need some freedom.
The Mohawk people didn't want their land to be taken over. So they built barricades to their land so that nobody could get through. They guarded them with all they had. When the Quebec police forces began to get involved it became dangerous. Weapons were being fired and a fight broke out. People lost their lives, but that didn't change the natives views on the situation. Eventually it got to be too much, so they gave up. But because of their fight the plans for the golf course were cancelled. Agreements were changed and the Mohawks gained more recognition.
The Oka Crisis was a big event. This issue had three major aspects. The government didn't recognize the Mohawk first nations as a nation. The natives wanted to be recognized and be independent. And the natives fought for their rights, making a statement that changed many things. This issue isn't something that Canada is proud of, but it was an awakening to a blind country.
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