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

08/21/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà: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 Kahnawà: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have changed little since the 1981 Moratorium and the 1984 Kahnawake Mohawk Law Concerning Membership (both since repealed) to the present 2003 Kahnawà:ke Membership Law.

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