MCK agrees with Traditional view of NOT ONE MORE INCH

08/01/2019

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to reiterate its position that no Kahnawà:ke land shall be expropriated for any Federal or Provincial project, including the proposed replacement span for the southbound Mercier Bridge.
 
This statement has been made in response to concerns expressed by some community members, including the Longhouse at 207, that geotechnical studies scheduled to take place on the North Wall as part of the research regarding the proposed project meant that the project had already been green-lighted.
 
“That is simply not the case at all,” said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “My late sister, Selma Delisle, always said ‘not one more inch’ when referring to the expropriation of our land. I had always agreed with her and will continue to fight for that same sentiment.”
 
“The issue appears to stem from a misconception that the MCK has already approved the new span,” said Ietsénhaienhs Rhonda Kirby. “We met with officials from the Ministère des Transport du Quebec (MTQ) this morning to reiterate Kahnawake’s position. The MTQ agreed that better communications is essential and will work directly with the MCK to ensure that Kahnawa’kehró:non are properly informed on every aspect of this project.”
 
“I can clarify for the record that no Kahnawà:ke land will be lost,” she added. “The bridge will not be expanded and will remain as two lanes in each direction. The environment will be protected, and, importantly, the community will be consulted.”