It's not about the building

So it appears the "controversial" police building is coming (again) to Tyendinaga.

First: I don't care about this building at all.  I don't care if it arrives and our cops set up shop there. I don't care it it's turned away again.  I don't care.

As a writer, communicator, and educator in this community, I truly care that the proper dialogue takes place regarding issues that have the potential to divide us.  As one who takes a particular interest in this issue, as one who pays attention to every message that is delivered to this community at large, I can't help but acknowledge my continued confusion.

Two weeks ago, our police chief told the Intelligencer that ... well, here's the entire quote:

(Police Chief Ron) Maracle added that the 'local chief (Donald Maracle) and council have exhausted their political avenues and will' and the task of ensuring the buildings safe passage to the site rest in the hands of the police.

The article went on to acknowledge the protests that met this building, during both attempts to deliver it to Tyendinaga.  Today, then, it comes as an absolute shock to find this notice posted on the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte administration website:

Tyendinaga Police Services Building - Providing Support
Posted on October 04, 2010

Tyendinaga Mohawk Council kindly requests that MBQ community members who support the delivery of the new Tyendinaga Police Services building please do so in writing. When submitting your written notice of support, please be sure to include your name.

Your words of support can be provided:
•Via email to Lisa Maracle, Acting Director of Nation Building, lisam@mbq-tmt.org
•In writing to the MBQ Administration Office, 13 Old York Rd; OR
•Fill out an online survey on the MBQ homepage http://www.mbq-tmt.org/.

There may be a good reason for the band office to collect "support" instead of something less one-sided, but it's not been revealed to us via the website.  Or any other means.

Many among us will recall a consultation policy that the chief and council promised to this community nearly two years ago.  That idea sprung directly from the first round of protests that met the news of this police building.  Today, we still have no consultation policy.  In fact, the primary research required to even begin creating the policy hasn't been done.  It's incredibly disappointing, therefore, to watch this chapter in our history close with such a huge opportunity lost.

Not only lost but with a complete indulgence of a politics of division reconstituted.