Posted by [EMAIL PROTECTED] : From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Christian Peacemaker Teams, Chicago IL) [EMAIL PROTECTED] CPTNET BLENHEIM, ONTARIO--Making Ripples by Scott Morton Nov. 20, 1999 "It's not high drama, it's painstaking, door-to-door work." That's how CPT reservist Heather St. James-Perry described the day of door-knocking undertaken by five CPT reservists, a committed volunteer, and CBC Radio reporter Theresa Lalonde. CPT's goal was to enter into dialogue with residents of the Chatham-Kent area in southwestern Ontario who have "Not For Sale" signs posted on their property. The signs went up several months ago in response to the federal government's agreement to settle the Caldwell First Nation's land claim by making $23.4 million available to establish a reserve. The Caldwell plan to purchase 4500 acres of land in the area over the next 25 years on a "willing seller, willing buyer" basis. By going door to door, CPTers were able to explore community members' motivations for putting up the "Not For Sale" signs. Team members told residents how the signs have been perceived as a threatening and unfriendly gesture by the Caldwell people. The conversations revealed a broad range of viewpoints. Emotions ranged from intense frustration with the federal government to sadness at the deterioration of communication and relationships between Native and non-Native residents. On the positive side, team members heard small glimmers of hope that relationships can be restored. "It seemed that our listening and talking was producing some fruit," remarked CPT veteran Lena Siegers. Reservist Gerry Lepp ended the day by saying, "Our efforts might seem small, but I heard somewhere that if you dip your fingers in the water, somebody will feel the ripples." This feeling was shared by Theresa Johnson, a leader of the Caldwell Nation, who asserted that many signs have come down since CPT last went door-knocking in September. CPT will continue to be in dialogue with the Caldwell people and reach out to non-Native community members. Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative among Mennonite and Church of the Brethren congregations and Friends Meetings that supports violence reduction efforts around the world. CPT P. O. Box 6508 Chicago, IL 60680 tel:312-455-1199 FAX 312-432-1213 To join CPTNET, our e-mail network, fill out the form found on our WEB page at http://www.prairienet.org/cpt/ Reprinted under the Fair Use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. <><<<<<>>>>><><<<<> Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ <><<<<<>>>>><><<<<>
