"Solution To Standoff May be"

Six Nations elected band council and occupiers of the Eagle's Nest Business Complex took a "major step" toward a resolution over the weekend, said Chief Coun. Steve Williams.

"I was very impressed. There's a different bunch of people up there that we can talk to," Williams said Saturday after the two sides met for about two hours at the Eagle's Nest.

Brantford residents need not worry that the occupation will turn violent, he added.

"No one has ever wanted to go in there and hurt anyone. That was never the intent."

A court injunction obtained Friday authorizing Six Nations police to eject the protesters will be used only as "a last straw," Williams said.

Band council's main concern is getting the building reopened so workers - about 40 per cent of 55 employees are from Six Nations - can go back to their jobs in the Indian and Northern Affairs office.

Employees have not worked in the building at 188 Mohawk St. since rebel Mohawks took possession of it Aug. 30. A temporary office has been set up in the Travelodge hotel on Colborne Street.