Outsiders views on allegations of Kahnawake racism

05/22/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is inviting the general public to view a brief video presentation in response to recent comments by Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Bernard Valcourt that Kahnawà:ke’s Membership Law is ‘racist.’

The Minister’s comments have caused many Canadians to label the community as ‘racist.’ While the MCK has strongly refuted such comments, Chief and Council felt that the Canadian public may be better served by hearing the perspective of some Canadian people who have involvement with the community, whether through work or by personal relationship.

The individuals interviewed freely volunteered their opinions and were not compensated in any way. It should be made very clear that none of these people were asked about the merits of the Kahnawà:ke Membership Law. Simply, they were asked whether they thought the community was racist. Click here to see video .

“There are racists in every society, including Canada,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “No society is perfect. But to make a blanket statement about this community is not only upsetting to those who live here, it’s an insult to the hundreds of people who work in the community, purchase goods here, or visit friends on a daily basis.”