By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA—Tensions are at a boiling point between self-titled land defenders at the McKenzie Meadows housing development site and local County representatives, with Ward 6 Councillor Bernie Corbett finding himself at the centre of the issue.
After a series of comments were covered by CBC News, Corbett continued to engage in online discourse with people who went on to accuse him of displaying white privilege and not understanding the reason behind the ongoing demonstrations.
Corbett posted the following statement online, later deleting it: “So what does privileged white mean to you? Having that mentioned prompted me to do some online research. I grew up in a home where at a time we had no indoor plumbing facilities nor electricity. Now I am reading, and I find it hard to rationalize, that although I grew up as an underprivileged white in a privileged white community, I am considered to be white privileged. There but for the grace of God go I.”
Responders criticized Corbett for misunderstanding the term ‘white privilege’, which is the “inherent advantage possessed by a white person on the basis of their race in a society characterized by racial inequality and injustice,” states Oxford Languages. More simply put, white privilege means that a white person is not disadvantaged by their skin colour specifically, although they may face hardships based on other factors, such as wealth.
Corbett offered the following explanation for his words: “The information I was trying to put forward is that white privilege means something different to many. I was trying to rationalize what happened to me in growing up. The strong rebuke is that it pales in comparison with what some of the Indigenous people have experienced. I understand that and share their concerns and I believe those who committed those injustices should be held accountable.”
He went on to elaborate that many of the frustrations he is feeling are related to a lack of effectiveness in communications with the Six Nations community and ongoing issues with police and the legal system.
“Our Council does not sit at the land claims table. We have indicated there are those outstanding issues which need to be resolved ASAP and we have expressed our opinion to the senior levels of government,” said Corbett. “I understand that some Indigenous people have little faith in our judicial system. With that I say work to get those articles changed that you disagree with. I have received support for what I posted, however I do not want to be seen as being divisive. As a politician I understand that there are those with differing views. They lose their arguments with me when they turn personal and abusive.”
Corbett also voiced frustration with the “catch and release” policy that he believes is undermining the efforts of the OPP to police the situation on site, as OPP have released most demonstrators a few hours after arrest, echoing a statement made by Mayor Ken Hewitt on behalf of Council to the Attorney General.
“The OPP and levels of government are not criminalizing the protestors at McKenzie Meadows. The court issuing the injunction is not criminalizing them either. The only people responsible for being charged with crimes are themselves and those that support and perpetuate the illegal activity,” said Hewitt. “Just because we do not agree with another’s assertion does not mean anyone can step outside of the law to assert their own. No one gets a free pass or is bestowed with the right to be above the law just because they believe that someone else is wrong.”
In an interview, Hewitt elaborated on his stance: “I don’t believe that Bernie’s intentions were to give a negative impression. With respect to this issue with the claim and ongoing Indigenous issues, it’s very easy to pull that racist position into the argument. I could argue that many who are on social media calling me a white supremacist or someone with white privilege, white this white that, are being equally racist.”
“That’s the easy go-to as soon as someone contradicts their views. It’s not that you are not entitled to have a difference of opinion, it’s just that you’re automatically a racist because you don’t support the position that they have. That’s unfortunate, but that’s what is happening,” said Hewitt.
These issues highlight the divide between the County and the people opposing the development of the McKenzie Meadows subdivision. Land rights issues are nothing new in Haldimand, with the current demonstrations rooted in a longstanding land back movement in Caledonia and surrounding area.
Dunnville resident Lacie Williamson was one of the people who responded online to Corbett’s remarks. In her post she asked if the lack of training on issues such as Truth and Reconciliation and Racism Sensitivity was worth bringing up with the Ontario Ombudsman.
“I am reluctant to speak because I am not Indigenous and although I do not agree with Bernie’s comments and perspective, I am not the one suffering from our Council’s myopic views. I can tell you, I’ve been actively addressing this issue for over a year. Which is why I am constantly responding to Bernie’s public comments,” said Williamson.
Williamson is one of the local artists whose work has been highlighted by the Great Art for Great Lakes project. Her artwork can be seen displayed at the Dunnville Farmer’s Market, but what you will not find on site there is a plaque containing an artist statement submitted by Williamson.
“My project focused on reconciliation in relation to land and water stewardship. However, when it came time to install, I was told my artist statement would not be included on the plaque because it included a land acknowledgement. The County refused to allow a land acknowledgement to be printed and displayed on their property and forbid me from making a verbal land acknowledgement at the opening ceremonies.”
The following is a snippet of that artist statement: “As residents of Dunnville and Haldimand County, which reside along the Grand River, we are occupants of stolen land, which we take for granted by taking too much from the land and polluting our ecosystem. As current residents of the area, although we did not personally steal the land, by living here, working here, and playing here we have inherited the responsibility of protecting the land and waters like the peoples before us, while working towards reconciliation with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.”
Haldimand County Supervisor for Corporate Affairs Kyra Hayes commented on the rejected statement.
“Haldimand County’s partnership with Great Art For Great Lakes (GAGL) is defined by a Council-approved Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU outlines the roles, responsibilities, expectations, and required actions of all parties involved. The request to install an artist statement was brought forward by GAGL and Ms. Williamson just prior to the scheduled installation of artwork.
“Both GAGL representatives and Ms. Williamson were advised that an artist’s statement (on a separate plaque) was not included as a required item in the approved MOU and that the County would proceed with installing only the partnership plaque with the artists’ name.”
Hayes also touched on the training that is provided for County staff and Council members, mentioning that they receive training for respect in the workplace, appropriate conduct on County property, and conduct that is expected when handling County business. She stated that the County intends to provide cultural awareness training in 2021.
Finally, she touched on Corbetts’ divisive remarks: “Comments made by an individual Council member on his/her personal social media accounts represent the opinions of that particular Council member; they are not representative of the County’s position.”
