LATEST STORIES:

Skyler Williams receives absolute discharge in Six Nations land dispute


Share this story...

Indigenous activist Skyler Williams was given an absolute discharge on Friday for his role in a Six Nations land dispute.

Williams is a spokesperson for the “1492 Land Back Lane” movement, which stopped the construction of a 200-home subdivision in Caledonia three years ago.

The group claims the property is unceded Haudenosaunee territory, and its members have occupied the site since 2020.

READ MORE: 1492 Land Back Lane returns to court, housing developer seeks permanent injunction

The clash has blocked roads, sparked violence, and led to numerous arrests.

Williams’ lawyer, Joshua Frost, confirmed to CHCH News that his client was given an absolute discharge.

CHCH News spoke to Williams Monday and he says despite the verdict, it’s difficult to be optimistic.

READ MORE: Permanent injunction granted to developer of disputed project in Caledonia

Last Friday, Williams tweeted, “3 years of going to court. 20 million dollars spent ‘policing’ landback lane. All to see myself and several others receive an absolute discharge of all charges related to our actions defending our lands.”

Nonetheless, Williams has promised to keep protesting, saying he still thinks there’s an opportunity for change.