A group of Edmonton protesters have set up their own version of Seattle’s CHAZ – and vow not to move until their demands are met..At last count, 172 tents have sprung up in the Edmonton neighbourhood of Rossdale, frustrating both community residents and police..Edmonton city administrations said currently about 300 people live there permanently..The group, there since July 24, has demanded $39 million be taken out of the Edmonton Police Service budget, and end to police violence against the homeless and free transit for everyone..But in an Edmonton council meeting Thursday, administration said “we are not negotiating on any of their demands..The camp came about after the province decided to stop pandemic work with the homeless at the EXPO and Kinsmen centres, displacing many of the homeless..Residents have named their camp Pekiwewin meaning “coming home” in Cree.. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .The area is reminiscent of the Capital Hill Autonomous Zone in Seattle where hundreds of residents took over a six sq. block area following rioting after the death of black man George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis..CHAZ was lawless for weeks and saw two homicides before police finally moved in to reclaim the area..A sign on the Pekiwewin camp entrance reads: “This is neutral territory. Any violence and you will be asked to leave.”.They have a kitchen and a medical tent that also supplies safe injection materials..Security is handled by The Crazy Indian Brotherhood, some who are former gang members looking to better themselves..On July 31, organizers called 911 after a trans, two-spirit member of the camp was assaulted and left with life-threatening injuries.City officials are helping with garbage pick-up and portable toilets..But tensions do seem to be rising as many neighbours have hired their own private security guards who patrol the area. Passing motorists have thrown bottles into the camp..The area for hundreds of years has served as an Aboriginal burial ground..Opponents to the camp have argued homeless shelters in the city have more than enough capacity to handle all the residents..Administration has said staff will allow the camp to stay open, provided there are no COVID-19 outbreaks, violent incidents or weather emergencies..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.TWITTER: Twitter.com/nobby7694
