State of Emergency extended to February 20th

01/17/2022

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform the community that the current State of Emergency has been extended for an additional 30-day period.

The decision was made at today’s duly-convened Council meeting, based on a recommendation from the Public Safety Commissioner in consideration of the on-going situation in the community. The decision was not unanimous, with Nitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo and Lindsay LeBorgne objecting to the Mohawk Council Resolution.

In accordance with the Kahnawà:ke Emergency Preparedness Law, the Decree will be in place for thirty (30) days, and can be renewed as required.

“Today’s decision is not about politics,” stated Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. “It is about the continuing battle to keep our elders and at-risk population safe. Our sister communities have tragically suffered a number of fatalities, something that we have avoided so far. Additionally, our own emergency services and essential workers have been seriously impacted during this ‘fifth wave’ and we have an obligation to take every measure to ensure that we stay in a position to protect those people as well.”

“We all hope that we can move back to the State of Recovery as soon as possible,” she concluded. “Unfortunately, with the surrounding health care system on the verge of collapse we cannot, in good conscience, pretend that the situation is stabilized yet. Many of our own people will be affected if they cannot receive timely medical help. Until that situation improves, we shall maintain the State of Emergency and continue to give the Task Force the tools they need to keep us all safe.”