MCK’s continued support of measures to combat COVID-19 4th Wave

09/02/2021

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to update the community on discussions that have been taking place regarding the implementation of safety measures to combat the COVID-19 virus during the 4th wave.
 
Discussions are ongoing between the MCK, Kahnawà:ke Public Safety and Kahnawà:ke Public Health, as well as with individuals and organized community groups. Due to the nature of the measures in place, an elevated level of tension has become more apparent during meetings with community groups. While the MCK confirms that listening to concerns from the community is vital, the negative manner in which some actions have occured is not acceptable.  Bullying, threats of aggressive action and lateral violence (in person or on social media) will NOT be condoned. The MCK is calling on all individuals to maintain respectful dialogue during exchanges at this time.
 
Additionally, the community has recently moved into a Red Alert level. As such, large gatherings should no longer be taking place at this time. Therefore, the MCK will no longer engage in large format gatherings to ensure community safety measures are respected. The MCK assures that concerns from the group of individuals at the “Peoples’ Meeting” held yesterday have been received. The MCK will now focus its efforts on ensuring the concerns from this group, alongside others in our community guide informed decision-making that further protects us. 
 
“The MCK understands that people are feeling frustrated, fearful or concerned,” said Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. “We would like to provide all Kahnawa’kehró:non an opportunity to discuss their concerns with us directly, but due to obvious circumstances, we should not be gathering right now.”
 
Those who wish to have discussions and share their concerns are invited to contact any of the Ratitsénhaienhs by telephone at 450-632-7500 and leaving your name and number to receive a return call. Once the community reverts back to a Green Alert level, the MCK will re-engage with the community in small gatherings, as the proof of vaccination will not apply to locals during that time.
 
Lastly, the MCK extends its continued support to the hard working individuals from Public Safety and Kahnawà:ke Public Health, who have proved, time after time, their dedication to keeping the community safe. We also encourage everyone to collectively show our support towards the people working on the front-line, as it is sometimes a thankless job.