A longtime senior native newspaper reporter said Sunday it's important for non-natives to understand aboriginal customs and beliefs.

Paul Barnsley of the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society (AMMSA) in Edmonton had come to Dufferin to view the Melancthon Wind Farm, as well as to get a handle on the Caledonia situation.

As a journalist, he didn't venture an opinion about the Caledonia standoff or about the land claim within what is known as the Haldimand Tract.

Instead, he said he was simply on a fact-gathering mission for WindSpeaker, the Edmonton-based publication. AMMSA has six publications plus an FM radio station. He said it is dedicated to publishing both sides of all issues.

In Shelburne, Mr. Barnsley took a particular interest in the plight of septage hauler Ron Dillman and his problems with the Ministry of Environment, as much so as with the Six Nations interest in the Haldimand Tract.

But he did point out, in effect, that old-time traditions die hard among aboriginals worldwide. For example, he said, where land is concerned, many aboriginals feel as one with nature.

"I was in the South Seas, in a village where if

you disturbed a blade of grass it seems everyone knew about it.

"If you were to destroy the land, it would be like killing a member of the family."

He said the land provides food, materials for shelter and warmth, and so is to be revered.

Mr. Barnsley had reviewed the transcripts of the Caledonia hearing on the occupation and said he agreed that Mr. Justice David Marshall had made what appeared to be an order to end the occupation before negotiations continued.

The appeal court, however, ruled that the judicial edict did not amount to an order.

Mr. Dillman, meantime, might have illustrated that private enterprise and non-native landowners might have as much a problem with government as the natives indicate they are having.

His acreage north of Shelburne is an approved site for septage spreading, and is just outside the Haldimand Tract. His delayed application to the ministry is for an amendment of the certificate that would allow for composting - in his opinion, a better solution to disposal.

He was recently taken by surprise when the Six Nations council sought information about his proposal.

He said he has since tried without success to find out who he should be dealing with, adding that "If I have to deal with Six Nations, I will."

He seized on the opportunity to outline problems with Bill 43, purported to be for the protection of water resources.

According to Mr. Dillman's interpretation, Bill 43 would make landowners liable for any problems arising from the spreading of septage or biosolids.

"Who in their right mind would want (such spreading) if they understood the inspectors could enter the property without warrant and lay charges?"

He said Bill 43 does not provide for appeals of convictions.

Mr. Dillman, a cofounder of Dufferin Landowners Association, has registered his candidacy for mayor of Melancthon.