During the summer of 1990, in a small town called Oka located in Quebec, an ethical issue ascended as government allowed the expansion of a golf course into the Mohawk’s(native Iroquois family) reserve without consent. The reserve was known as Kanesatake and was a spiritual ground which contained burial grounds, pine lands, and tombstones of ancient ancestors. Due to the government’s obstinate mindset, the native tribe was condemned to take action and erect a barricade blocking entrance to Oka. The government refused to negotiate causing violence to construct, leading to the Provincial Police Force, along with Canadian Armed Forces to arrive. In the end, the battle was lost for the Natives and the barricades were destroyed, along with the death of a provincial police agent.

In my opinion, the government’s decision to allow the eradication of the native’s reserve rights was morally inappropriate. Although the process of expanding a golf course may generate future revenue and create job opportunities, it’s ethically wrong to destroy an ancient burial ground belonging to a native tribe. Just because you’re the government, doesn’t mean you can do what you think is “fit” for the country. With great power comes great responsibility – Spiderman.

(Sources:Histori,CBC,Picture Link)