Premiers urge peaceful National Day of Action |  |  |
 Bay of Quinte Mohawks block the train tracks just north of Deseronto, Ont. in this file photo. (CPimages/Jonathan Hayward) RELATED STORIES:
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TORONTO (CP) - Canadian aboriginals are understandably disappointed and frustrated with past injustices but Friday's day of action should be peaceful and reflective, Canada's premiers and territorial leaders said in a joint statement hours before the national day of action was set to begin.
"Together with other Canadians, we respect the right of Canada's First Nations leadership to organize a national day of action," said the statement, signed by every premier and territorial leader with the exception of British Columbia and Nunavut.
"We are mindful of past injustices that have fuelled disappointment and frustration for too long within Aboriginal communities. At the same time, it is also a day to pause and reflect on the very real progress we are making in addressing long-standing First Nation demands and in raising the quality of lift for First Nations people."
The statement goes on to urge organizers of Friday's national day of action to ensure "all actions are peaceful and law-abiding."
While most national and regional chiefs have called for peaceful demonstrations, there are concerns some communities may resort to illegal measures such as highway or railway blockades.
Via Rail is taking the threat seriously and has warned passengers about possible delays if blockades appear.
Ontario is bracing for a possible blockade in the eastern community of Deseronto which could bring one of the province's key highways and rail lines to a halt. The town of Caledonia, in southern Ontario, is also on high alert as the 16-month occupation of a former housing development site continues.
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