MCK Applauds Tobacco Initiative

09/30/2008

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced today that it is pleased that the newly re-formed Kahnawake Tobacco Association (KTA) has taken the initiative to invite the various political entities to the table to discuss the topic of regulating the industry.

Chief and Council received a letter from the KTA last week, in which they formally requested three specific items from the MCK:
1. To sanction the KTA as the sole authority to regulate the industry
2. To fill a permanent seat of equal standing within the KTA
3. To grant an audience to the KTA within the next two weeks for the purposes of making a complete presentation

“We agree with the KTA that there is an urgency to the situation,” said portfolio chief Rhonda Kirby. “The only way to solve this is collectively, and we are pleased that they have made the effort to include every facet of Kahnawà:ke in the discussions, including those who aren’t involved in the tobacco industry. We have begun making the necessary arrangements to meet with their representatives.” “This is a good starting point,” she added.

A formal response has been sent but it was felt by Chief and Council that the community should know immediately that they have agreed to the meeting.