MCK updates on further assistance in COVID-19 battle

01/13/2021

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to reiterate its support for the challenging work being done by the COVID-19 Task Force during the current crisis being experienced in Kahnawà:ke and beyond. The second wave of the pandemic continues to be the cause of great concern, and many difficult decisions have had to be made to protect the community from the ravages of the virus.

The vast majority of community members continue to support the measures and are doing their best to keep us collectively as safe and healthy as possible – which is greatly appreciated.

“It is important to acknowledge the traditional bodies for their unwavering messages of collective responsibility, self-discipline, and vigilance,” said Ratsénhaienhs Frankie McComber, MCK Liaison to the Task Force. “It is so important that we work together to battle this pandemic. The message has remained the same almost from day one: We need to protect our elders and the most vulnerable among us. Every single decision is taken with this in mind.”

“We’d like to remind the community that the lines of communication between the Task Force and the MCK have been very clear from the earliest days of the pandemic,” he added. “Aside from the weekly Task Force meetings, the MCK is provided with a formal update every Wednesday morning at which time Council members can ask questions and voice concerns.”

The MCK wishes to remind the community that it is currently operating under essential services only. During this time, employees may be reassigned to work in other areas should the need arise. Reassignments could take place to support positions to assist the Task Force, Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre, or other areas deemed necessary to assist in the fight against COVID-19.

“We wish to acknowledge those staff members who have already been working in other areas, such as the KMHC, to assist in the effort,” Ratsénhaienhs McComber said.

At this Monday’s Council meeting it was decided that, in accordance with MCK’s resources being dedicated to essential-only services at this time, some items will be put on the backburner while our staff helps in other areas. However, it was also agreed that there are some items that require immediate action and shall maintain priority, such as Intergovernmental Affairs, the Indian Day School Settlement file, Asbestos removal, the Kanawaki Lease, the Consultation Portfolio and the Mercier Bridge file. 

“Additionally, there are other priorities that we will keep an eye on, such as the Kahnawà:ke Economic Relief Measures Fund, Emergency Housing, Revenue Generation and Land Transfers, but these are more operational in nature,” concluded Ratsénhaienhs McComber.

Only essential meetings are being held at this time in order for the Ratitsénhaienhs to concentrate on addressing the deepening crisis or provide assistance wherever needed.