[source:NativeNews; Wed, 20 Sep 2000 14:28:45 -0700] Mounties and First Nations try to heal five year old wounds from Gustafsen Lake Standoff CKNW RADIO NEWS - Wednesday, September 20, 2000 8:07 a.m. "Five years after the Gustafson Lake standoff, RCMP and First Nations returned to the site of the confrontation seeking closure" Members of the RCMP and Esketemc First Nation marked the anniversary by meeting over two days, allowing for questions from both sides, taking part in a recognition ceremony, and feasting. Inspector Howard Eaton is in charge of RCMP Aboriginal Policing. EATON: There was just various questions that members of the community had as to why things happened the way they did, and why the police did certain things that, you know, at the time were not able to be told and now they can be. Eaton was asked if relations between RCMP and First Nations are better or worse compared to five years ago. EATON: I think we have a better understanding of things, of the issues that, that precipitated this standoff, and I, I hope that, I'd like to say that they're getting better. CBC RADIO - REGIONAL NEWS - Wednesday, September 20, 2000 8:34 a.m. "For the first time since the standoff five years ago, RCMP and members of the Esketemc First Nation have met at Gustafson Lake" The groups spent the weekend meeting and taking part in cultural and spiritual ceremonies. In 1995, members of the Esketemc First Nation held RCMP officers at bay at Gustafson Lake for months. Inspector Howard Eaton of the RCMP says the weekend session was a chance for the police to answer questions and work to improve relations with the native bands in the area. EATON: From the RCMP perspective, we have a, a better understanding of the, of the culture and the spirituality that is involved in a lot of these things, and I think that hopefully we'll handle these types of situations a little bit different in the future. WALTERS: The Gustafson Lake standoff ended in September 1995. --------- Turtle Island Native Network Aboriginal News & Information http://www.turtleisland.org E-mail: infocom@pro.net [In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.]