Dear Editor:

Dear Editor:

Re: Akwesasne Opposition to the Arming of Canada Customs Officers at Akwesasne

Akwesasne existed as a Mohawk Community long before the international border was overlaid on our ancient territory.

This border has naturally caused us concern over the years, and we have had to make many adjustments to our lives because of it. Throughout it all, our people have maintained that our Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, including our Border Crossing Rights must be respected.

There have been many times when situations at the border have interfered with our lives and direct face to face meeting with Canada have resolved the issues. There have also been other times when our concerns have fallen on deaf ears. At those times, we have had to express our concerns through the courts, or we have brought attention to them through peaceful demonstration or complaints to the Human Rights Commission.

It should be no surprise that a recent traffic study showed that Akwesasne people are the major users of this crossing, representing 70% of the traffic. Akwesasne people of all ages cross the border on a daily basis to carry on regular day to day activities.

-to get from one part of the community to another

-to get to work, or school, or

-to attend many health, social, cultural, recreational or economic needs.

It is plain to see that this crossing has a direct impact upon our people. Naturally then, the safety and security of this crossing is a major concern to our people.

For more than 25 years, Akwesasne has worked in partnership with Canada Customs to insure a safe working environment and crossing experience, by providing a detachment of Mohawk Security Officers, to assist Canada in its daily operation, without the use of firearms.

Additionally, Akwesasne Police have a sub-station at this Port of Entry and regularly assist in maintaining the integrity and safety of this Port of Entry.

Our neighbours in the City of Cornwall may be wondering what all the fuss is about and why Akwesasne has chosen such a firm position against Canada’s Customs Officers carrying guns at this Port of Entry at Akwesasne.

First of all, this is the only Port of Entry into Canada that is right in the middle of a Native Community.

-Our residential homes are directly adjacent to the customs facility.

-Our children slide their sleds on the hills besides Customs.

-Our people ride horses and walk in the green space beside the Customs.

-A Volleyball, Basketball and Lacrosse practice area are right beside the Customs buildings.

-Our little corner store which is frequented by children and hundreds of community members throughout the day is at the edge of the Customs Compound.

-Our school bus pick up points are located here

-And this is the hub of activity for those community members leaving Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) to go to work, school, appointments, shopping and other daily activities.

The use of firearms in an area of such high community-use should in itself bring cause for concern.

Recently, we have received numerous reports that there are some Customs Officers that have worked to instigate confrontation, humiliate individuals, and provoke sensitive situations. That kind of attitude should never be acceptable.

We worry that improvident use of weapons in the hands of Customs Officers that have confrontational dispositions toward our people, will build volatile relationships whereby that safety and security of our people will be in danger.

Although Akwesasne people are committed to strengthening border security and addressing threats of terrorism, we are also equally committed to protecting our people, our community interests and our Aboriginal, Treaty and Border Crossing Rights.

Akwesasne does not support the use of guns by Canada’s Customs Officers at the Akwesasne Port of Entry.

Thank You

MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE