MCK update on education issues, remains concerned about threats

09/25/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform Kahnawakehró:non that it is continuing to work towards a resolution with the Kahnawake Combined Schools Committee in regard to the education issues that are currently affecting the community.

The MCK is developing a plan that it hopes will allow parents on each side of the issue to participate in the process that the Interim Board of Trustees has begun working on to address problems related to the Constitution. It is continuing to meet with the various stakeholders, including the KCSC, in order to find common ground in the spirit of finding solutions.

However, Chief & Council would like to remind the community that they are very concerned regarding specific threats that were made against Education staff in the Proclamation that was published in the Eastern Door on 7, Seskehkó:wa/September by a group appointed by the KCSC.  Despite the gravity of the threats, the group that published the Proclamation has, as yet, failed to reconsider its statement, nor has the KCSC distanced itself from this unacceptable position. 

“It is very difficult to move forward until the threats against Education staff are removed,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “There are certain hurdles that need to be removed and this is certainly one of them.”

Additionally, the MCK would like to acknowledge those students and community members protesting outside the MCK offices. Although it is understood that this is not the solution they may be looking for, the MCK asks for their continued patience as Chief & Council try to work with all stakeholders to find a solution. Community members have the right to protest peacefully as long as they do not disrupt or prevent people from going about their everyday business.