Mohawk women chiefs meet Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence

12/20/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform the community of the results of yesterday’s visit to support Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence by the women chiefs from Kahnawà:ke, Akwesasne and Kanesatake.

Each of the eleven chiefs spoke individually to Chief Spence and presented her with gifts of sweetgrass, tobacco, medicine bundles, eagle feathers, letters of support and their own personal messages.

Upon conclusion, Chief Spence spoke to the group and asked that the chiefs help spread the following message on her behalf:

“Chiefs of the AFN need to stop bickering amongst each other, and the National Chief needs to know that they are behind him. (I believe) he is afraid to make any political moves against the Canadian Government if he is not backed by the other Chiefs. This protest is meant to be one of Peace and Unity. (I think) the youth are losing faith in their leadership because there is too much fighting and not enough leading and cohesion amongst our Nations. (I hope my cause) will bring about changes for our people (and that) the Government will start to honor the treaties which are all about relationships.  It’s time to stand together as Nations because we are all faced with a lot of the same issues and because we have common goals.”

“This was a moving experience for all of us,” said Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, one of the participants. “Her family was with her, and they were very moved by the gesture of the women chiefs. We are all proud of her and will continue to support her on this challenging journey that she has undertaken. And we are committed to passing on her message of peace and unity.” 

Chief Spence is in the second week of her hunger strike.