Letters received requesting MCK take immediate and responsible actions to end community eviction efforts

08/21/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that Chief & Council have received 37 individual letters from a group of people requesting that it take actions �to put an end to the illegal eviction efforts of community members who are married or living with non-Native partners, family and/or children.�

Each letter is similar or identical and also requests that the MCK take �necessary measures to bring a peaceful resolution to the division this issue has created, and to ensure the safety and security of all people living within the community.�

Additionally, each letter further requests that the MCK take measures to assure that the home construction of a specific community member married to a non-Indigenous person moves forward.

The letters conclude that their �collective is prepared to seek legal counsel� to protect their families and to allow them to live in peace. The MCK has not yet responded to the letters.

�The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke was already in the midst of addressing various complaints from community members regarding the influx of non-Natives residing in Territory in contravention of our laws,� said Membership Portfolio Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. �It is very disappointing that some people feel that individual rights trump the collective will of the people and are threatening to use the outside legal system against their own.�

The requirements to reside within the territory have changed little since the 1981 Moratorium and the 1984 Kahnawake Mohawk Law Concerning Membership (both since repealed) to the present 2003 Kahnaw�:ke Membership Law.

The plan will be completed before the next Community Meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, 16 Seskehk�:wa/September.