MCK sends well-wishes to Wet’suwet’en leaders

02/27/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is sending its best wishes to the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs as they begin their meetings with Provincial and Federal officials. The MCK is urging all parties to use a good mind to work towards resolving the current situation.

The MCK joins with others who are encouraged by this development, as we have been strongly advocating face-to-face meetings as the only way to find a peaceful solution.

“We sincerely hope that Canadian and Provincial leaders learn from these recent events,” said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “They have seen that Indigenous people from across Turtle Island will mobilize when authorities attempt to use force when dealing with matters that affect them. This is especially true when Canadians and Indigenous people share common concerns, such as climate change and pipelines.”

The MCK is disappointed that it has taken a series of numerous protest actions to get officials to the negotiating table. It would be preferable that governments meet with Indigenous peoples at the outset, on a real nation-to-nation basis and in good faith. Only then will we see true progress and positive results.

“We look forward to seeing a return to peace and prosperity – both spiritually and otherwise –  for all people, in an equal and respectful relationship,” Grand Chief Norton concluded.