MCK condemns irresponsible RCMP actions on Wetsuweten Territory

11/23/2021

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is condemning the unwarranted and aggressive actions taken by the RCMP and Coastal GasLink as an affront to the Wet’suwet’en on their traditional Territory.

We implore that the governments of British Columbia and Canada make every effort to act responsibly and maintain peace by de-escalating the situation. No one wants a repeat of the events of early 2020, when anger and frustration over the RCMP’s heavy handed actions boiled over into protests across the country.

The MCK continues to advocate for common sense solutions that come from face-to-face discussion at the appropriate levels. In 2020, the situation only de-escalated after high-level representatives from the federal and provincial governments sat with the Traditional Chiefs to come to an agreement. It is unfortunate that such recent history can so quickly be forgotten. The MCK fully understands that the situation is complex, with many competing interests. However, it is the role of government – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike – to govern responsibly in the best interest of all.

“It often takes great patience and wisdom to come to a suitable resolve,” said Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs (Grand Chief) Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. “Canada must act quickly to bring an immediate end to the current volatile situation by working diligently with leadership to find a solution that all sides can accept.”

The MCK wishes to remind the community that during the winter of 2020, a ceremony was held to formalize a relationship between the Wet’suwet’en Traditional Chiefs and the Mohawk Nation at Kahnawà:ke. The MCK is committed to respecting and supporting this relationship by remaining available to offer its assistance, should this be requested.