Federal ministers agree to discuss Six Nations' historical land claims as occupation continues

The federal government has committed to engage in negotiations around unresolved land issuesrelated to Six Nations of the Grand River amid amonth-long occupation of a housing development outside Caledonia, Ont.

Skyler Williams, a spokesperson for demonstrators at the McKenzie Meadows site, said the Six Nations Elected Council andHaudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council have received a letter from Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller and Minister of Crown-Indigenous RelationsCarolyn Bennettagreeing to sit down and discuss the situation.

"Understand that we are a nation unto ourselves, we're not Canadian citizens. We're Haudenosauneepeople and need to be treated as such," Williamsexplained Thursday.

"The peaceful occupation of our lands is what we're about and being able to move that conversation forward is paramount for us."

A spokesperson for Bennett confirmed theletter was sent, adding Canada "deeply values" its relationship with Six Nations and is "committed to continuing to work collaboratively to address SixNations' historical claims and land right issues."

The statement stressed the importance of peaceful dialogue for building a stronger relationship.

"With regard to the McKenzie Meadows Caledonia housing development, we encourage the parties involved to continue to work together through open dialogue to find a constructive, respectful, and positive way forward," it added.

Dialogue is something Ontario Premier Doug Ford also pointed to when asked about the land occupation Thursday, revealinghe'd met with Six Nations Elected Chief Mark Hill.

Demonstrators set up camp at the McKenzie Meadowson July 19, saying it's uncededHaudenosauneeterritory and renaming it 1492 Land Back Lane.

On Thursday they began dismantling barricades across area roads set up after an OPP raid on August 5 where police fired a rubber bullet and arrested several people at the site.

Demonstrators also previously returned two bulldozers that ended up behind the blockades.

Williams said both actions were aimed at de-escalating the situation and ensuring the focus of discussions stays on"the real issue here and that's the land."