Letter to the Editor

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne offers condolences to Kassian family, investigation underway

On Friday, November 14th, the community of Akwesasne witnessed a tragic accident that took the lives of three individuals, including residents from our neighboring community of Massena—Edward and Eileen Kassian. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) has expressed its deepest sympathy and condolence to the Kassian family for their loss. MCA has also met with the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Commission and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service in response to the unfortunate incident.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Commission, and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service all place the public’s safety at the highest level and are taking the incident very seriously. In doing so, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been requested to conduct an independent inquiry of the accident. While the investigation is conducted, information and details regarding the event is limited pending the outcome of the investigation.

Although there have been statements in the media immediately following the incident, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne asks that the sensitivity of the investigation be respected.  MCA believes that the best course of action is to let the inquiry proceed uninterrupted so we can all benefit from an independent determination of what occurred.

It is not appropriate to draw conclusions and to use the incident as justification for unrelated efforts. This serious event deserves a comprehensive and unbiased investigation that will provide the appropriate course of action for the continued safety of the public while traveling within the Territory of Akwesasne.

Anyone that may have witnessed the event is encouraged to call the OPP at (613) 534-2223.