The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is expressing deep concern and frustration on the lack of communication from the City of Sainte-Catherine following reports of an emergency meeting between the city and several “relevant” government bodies, taking place on January 20th. A press release on the meeting was posted to the city’s website, where it addressed concerns of Terrapure Environment’s role in water pollution, which saw high levels of sulfate and lead being discharged into the St. Lawrence Seaway.
“It’s appalling and unacceptable that an emergency meeting of this magnitude was convened without informing or including Kahnawà:ke,” said Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “Instead, we learn about this meeting after the fact and are once again left without information on an issue that deeply affects our community, especially when discussions involve potential risks within Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory jurisdiction (Seigneury of Sault St. Louis Land Grievance).”
“Additionally, not informing us is in direct violation of the communication protocol between the Municipalités regionales de comté (MRC) and Kahnawà:ke as defined in our Technical Liaison Committee,” said Municipal Government Relations Portfolio-holder Iohahí:io Delisle.
The MCK became aware of the meeting only after news reports surfaced. Representatives reportedly in attendance included Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Quebec Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, Quebec Civil Security, the Montreal Metropolitan Community, the Montérégie Public Health Department, and the Roussillon MRC.
“It sends a troubling message that Kahnawà:ke is not considered relevant in decisions that directly impact our Territory,” Diabo added. The MCK remains committed to seeking answers for the community and is demanding that all MRC and relevant government entities meet to discuss these concerns.
