Recently, I was asked to speak on K1037 to address concerns regarding an unscheduled departure from Kahnawake and in doing so, failed to communicate relevant details related to a recent drive to Ontario.

On Thursday October 15th 2020 I drove to Six Nations for the purpose of dropping off packages of traditional medicine and food for family members with young children who had been diagnosed with COVID-19.

As someone keenly aware of the dangers of the virus and its means of transmission, I must assure the community that all physical precautions were taken and that there was no physical contact as the boxes of emergency provisions were left on the porch with verbal communication taking place from the roadway across the lawn. After our exchange, I promptly returned to my vehicle and drove home.

Serving as a Chief on Council and as the Council liaison on the Task Force, I am acutely sensitive to the sense of concern and worry that members of our community face during this difficult and uneasy period of all of our lives.

I am confident that by following all physical prevention measures, that I at no time placed myself, my family or our community at risk. However, in hindsight I do want to apologize as I recognize that my actions had an impact on the credibility of the Task Force and has prompted concern amongst the community and to the Council of Chiefs. For this, I am truly sorry.

Every necessary precaution and preventative measure was taken while delivering aid to members of my family who are living so far from Kahnawake and the social network of their family. In hindsight however, I recognize that my actions brought about the concern that Task Force members are not held to the same standards as everyone else. I wish to acknowledge these concerns, offer my apologies and state that as the Council Liaison on the Task Force and as a Council Chief, the recommendations and directives that are implemented are of utmost importance for all Task Force members, all Chiefs and all Kahnawa’kehró:non, including myself.

Looking forward, I do appreciate and acknowledge the messages of concern from my friends and colleagues and will continue to work hard so that I may restore the faith and trust that all have placed in me.

Statement from Ratsénhaienhs Frankie McComber

10/22/2020