MCK issues statement regarding today’s police operation

04/14/2016

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to advise the community that it supports today’s police operation in which the Kahnawake Mohawk Peacekeepers and the special investigations unit of the Sûreté du Québec executed a search warrant that resulted in the arrest of a local man suspected of possession, distribution and access to child pornography.

“It is extremely disturbing that activities such as this could be taking place in Kahnawà:ke,” said Policing Portfolio Chief Gina Deer. “While no one has been convicted of anything at this time, policing agencies – including the Peacekeepers – are extremely careful in dealing with such matters. Due to the nature of the alleged activities, there is no choice but to work with those who specialize in this this type of work.”

“We have stated many times that the Peacekeepers do not execute warrants on issues regarding tobacco,” added Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “But this type of crime is something that cannot be defended in any society, let alone ours. No right-minded Kanien’keháka would ever compromise the safety of our children, and children anywhere and everywhere.”

“Therefore, it is in everyone’s best interest to work with those with the necessary expertise in order to address these types of crimes,” Grand Chief Norton concluded. “We have no place in our society for child pornography.”