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 Ahríhrhon Delisle, Jr. (see attachment) that addresses Kahnawà: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, Ohiarí: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 Kahnawà:ke would like to inform the community that every effort is being made to address this issue.