MCK statement regarding SQ protocol breach

10/02/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that it is contacting the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) to protest their lack of diligence in maintaining protocols in place between the SQ and the Kahnawake Peacekeepers.

“While we appreciate the fact that the Peacekeepers continue to meet with the SQ’s Delson detachment on an on-going basis, there are obviously other elements within the SQ operations that are less disciplined in their approach to relations with our community,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. 

“The fact that a weapon was drawn for an administrative infraction in an area that is outside of SQ jurisdiction is not only unacceptable, it is just plain dangerous,” he continued. “We appreciate that Peacekeeper Chief Dwayne Zacharie immediately met with certain SQ officials but that does not mean that the matter is closed. Many community members view this as an act of provocation, and we share that concern.”

The existing protocols between the SQ and the RCMP have generally been respected through the years, though there have been occasional incidents. Protocol dictates that SQ and/or RCMP inform the Peacekeepers immediately if there is any reason to be on the Territory other than for routine travel.

“The SQ informed Chief Zacharie that it was the officer’s first day on the job. This reeks of carelessness or worse by certain persons within the SQ operation,” Grand Chief concluded. “This needs to stop, and the issue will be addressed at the highest levels of authority.”