MCK offers condolences on the passing of John Ciaccia

08/09/2018

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to offer condolences on the passing of long-time Liberal politician John Ciaccia at the age of 85. Mr. Ciaccia was the Quebec Native Affairs Minister during the so-called Oka Crisis.

“John Ciaccia was one of the most honorable men I have ever dealt with,” stated Joseph Tokwiro Norton, who was Grand Chief in 1990, as he is today. “During those dark days he kept pushing his own government to find common ground, stating that he believed that our issues were legitimate and should be addressed.”

“Significantly, Kahnawa’kehró:non were able to use the dock located on his private property in Dorval to pick up groceries when there was no other way other than crossing the river,” he added. “For that alone he’ll always be held in the highest esteem by our people.”

Mr. Ciaccia went on the record supporting “Mohawks having control over their own lives” during a time when the sentiment of the general population was not as understanding or open-minded.

“He was really an incredible individual who had the respect of Native and non-Native alike,” concluded Grand Chief Norton. “A few years ago we presented him with the name Aweriasowaneh, meaning Generous Heart. May his family take comfort in the fact that he was both respected and loved.”