MCK demands correction and apology on Minister Valcourt’s comments on Membership

11/04/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is informing the community that the MCK is demanding a correction from Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Bernard Valcourt for an incorrect statement his office made yesterday in regard to the issue of non-eligible residency in Kahnawà:ke.

The statement, which was broadcast on the CBC news yesterday, states that “It is troubling that the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke seeks to evict over 200 members and non-members from their territory based on race.”
   
“It is appalling that the Minister would make a comment such as this that is just completely wrong,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr.  “The MCK has never indicated this. The fact that someone in his position – or someone within his office  – would issue such a fundamentally incorrect statement is irresponsible. It needs to be corrected, and it needs to be corrected immediately.”

“The issues are complicated and emotional enough without the Minister muddying the waters,” he added. “This statement is insulting. I think an apology to the people of Kahnawà:ke is in order.”

The MCK has contacted the Minister’s office on this matter. There has been no response at the time this release was issued.