June 5/2009 – The united leaders from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, and the Mohawk Nation Council of Chief are reading about discussions and developments taking place within the Minister of Public Safety Peter Van Loan’s Office on the situation a Akwesasne. To date, there has been no direct contact made by the Public Safety Minister other than an unsigned letter from federal officials to Akwesasne Mohawk leaders.

 

The Grand Chief did receive a phone call from CBSA Vice President Luc Portalance indicating that he is willing to meet. The Mohawk Council of Akwesanse has not received a return call from Mr Portalance.

One development being reported in the media is the possibility of moving the Canada Customs facility off the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. The united Akwesasne Mohawk leaders believe that to be a positive development, and they are urging the Government of Canada to participate in meaningful dialogue with them to discuss this and other reasonable and peaceful resolutions to the community’s issues.

The united Akwesasne Mohawk Leaders reiterate that no decisions can be made about Akwesasne without having Akwesasne at the table. They suggest that federal officials contact their leaders to begin respectful negotiations. At 3:00 pm today, the Mohawk Council leadership will participate in a conference call with the Liberal Party Leader, Micheael Ignatieff.

 

Akwesasne leaders appreciate and thank the Liberal Party Leaders for contacting the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne to discuss their community’s concerns. They encourage other party leaders and federal officials to do the same.

The people of Akwesasne and supporters have continued to keep the peace at the Unity Rally Site next to the CBSA facility on Kawehnoke. The community is conducting food drives and is continually transporting food and supplies to the rally site. The people at the site wish to express their warmest appreciation for the support that has been provided.