Stop the COVID-19 Scapegoating and Bullying

09/30/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to voice its concerns regarding certain reactions to the recent news regarding Kahnawa’kehró:non who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The MCK wishes to state that, as a community, we have an obligation to support each other, especially during this difficult time. It is not acceptable to shame, bully, or scapegoat those who have been unfortunate enough to contract the virus. It is important to ensure that these persons take the proper steps to prevent further transmission and/or receive the proper medical treatment, if necessary.

As has been stated from the very beginning of the pandemic, we are all in this together. As a collective, we have been successful in maintaining a safe community, but we must remain vigilant at all times. We must continue to encourage each other to wash our hands often, wear a mask in public, maintain social distancing and – most important – show compassion to families who, like all of us, are living through extremely difficult times.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke continues to support the Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force in its efforts to keep the community safe and, especially, to protect the most vulnerable among us, including our elders and those with compromised immune systems. Any and all decisions and directives are made with this goal in mind.