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Men's Fire deliver message to Hamilton Court By Jim Windle, HAMILTON Members of the Men's Fire were in Hamilton Court last week with a Mohawk interpreter to bring a message to the court. Not to participate in the court system per se, but to remind the court of its responsibilities and obligations to protect the integrity of the Crown. Kamenhariyo, from Tyendinaga spoke on behalf of the Fire, first in Mohawk, then in English. Over two days in court, he explained the background history of the Haudenosaunee people, explained the Wampums and finally how this relationship between Haudenosaunee and the Crown should play out today in light of an injunction order sought by John Voortman that would force Six Na­tions activists from blocking construction on his Hagersville housing development. Although the judge let it be known that most of what was being brought by the speaker was important, it was not what he would strictly consider evidence. But that was OK since he was only there to bring information anyhow. "We were sent as runners," Kamenhariyo told the Court on behalf of the four man delegation. "It is our responsibility to provide this court with some insight and concerns regarding the Hagersville situation, specifically regarding this injunction upon our lands, against us, our Nations, our leadership, and our people." In essence the Men's Fire delegation provided background much like an Amicus, or "friend of the court", would do. The men are trying to convince the court not to issue the injunc­tion applied for by John Voortman. (Continued on page 5)