MCK announces immediate prohibition of Landfilling in Tioweroton

05/22/2018

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced an immediate prohibition of landfilling within the Tioweró:ton Territory.

The announcement comes as a result of a Mohawk Council Executive Directive passed earlier today at the duly-convened Council Meeting. Eight (8) chiefs agreed, with Ratsénhaienhs Martin Leborgne abstaining.

The prohibition was put in place as a means of protecting the environment and to keep the Territory pristine.

The Mohawk Council of Kanehsatá:ke is in support of this directive.

In recent months a community member had acquired material from an asphalt recycling company to use as fill at cabin construction sites. The material was tested and confirmed to be contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons.

“Given the sandy soils in Tioweró:ton, contaminants are able to easily move into the groundwater,” said Ratsénhaienhs Clinton Phillips, who holds the Environment Portfolio for the MCK. “Many community members have wells at their cabin sites and use this water for drinking and cooking. According to the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office, there is a real risk for these contaminants to reach well water. Considering that, as a community, we are entrusted to care for Mother Earth, no one should be conducting any activities that could threaten the unspoiled nature of our Territory.” 

At this time only gravel from a recognized quarry is acceptable for driveways/entryways and cabin base needs. More details will follow on applicable conditions.