MCK Chief to Meet with INAC Official re: Status Card Issue

05/06/2009

Chief Mike Bush will meet with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) official Ray Hatfield in Ottawa tomorrow. Chief Bush will be hand-delivering a written response by Grand Chief Michael Ahr�hrhon Delisle, Jr. (see attachment) that addresses Kahnaw�:ke�s disgust with Mr. Hatfield�s letter dated April 27, 2009, in which he advises our people to �obtain alternative documentation� when crossing the border.

On 1, Ohiar�:ha/June the current Indian Status cards will not be accepted as identification when crossing the border into the United States. Earlier this year, INAC announced that new �secure� Certificates of Indian Status would be produced that would be acceptable for this purpose. INAC has announced that it �is not in a position to deliver� these Certificates before the deadline.

�There are no words to adequately convey our disappointment and anger at this latest development,� said Grand Chief Delisle in the letter.

The Grand Chief�s letter will be sent to all parties who have any involvement with the issue at hand, including the Department of Homeland Security.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke would like to inform the community that every effort is being made to address this issue.