Border crisis continues; No resolution in sight

Ten days after Canada Border Services Agency guards abandoned their post on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) leading to police closure of the border crossing, no resolution to the debate seems near and Akwesasne residents are preparing for a long summer.

The issue is essentially Mohawks vs. Canada in the latest political crisis to come crashing down on the daily lives of Akwesasne people. Mohawks don’t want border guards to carry guns on Akwesasne territory and Canada wants to arm all guards regardless of where the port is situated. Neither side has shown any glimpse of budging in their position and a resolution or compromise isn’t even at a negotiation level.

Canadian media sources have reported that moving the port to the city of Cornwall is being considered; however the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has not had any meetings with officials discussing such an option just yet.

MCA sent a letter Tuesday to Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, requesting that the Cornwall Island port be an exception to the arming initiative. Van Loan has been blamed for allowing the border crossing to remain closed, having been quoted saying it will remain closed until Mohawks drop their issue with guns.

In the letter, Grand Chief Timothy Thompson reminded Van Loan about the issue that came before the gun debate: the complaints of harassment against CBSA officials by Mohawks passing through the border. The majority of those complaints filed were against two CBSA guards and MCA said their requests for meetings to address the harassment issue have been ignored by Government Canada for several years now.

“The community of Akwesasne has continually stated that our issues are much broader than CBSA’s arming initiative,” Thompson wrote. “It involves the Human Rights grievances lodged against the abusive actions of some of its CBSA officers, not the bridge or the entities that maintain the bridge crossing…we are continuing to seek an exemption of the arming initiative so that proper consultations reflective of Canada’s duty to consult take place with the Mohawk community of Akwesasne. We are also seeking a resolution to the numerous complaints filed against two CBSA officers for abusing their powers and violating the rights of our community members.”

Thompson requested meetings from external agencies, as MCA has been requesting to no avail for months.

Economic impact

While Mohawks feel strongly against the arming of border guards the closure of the bridge crossing is undeniably impacting local economies, from Akwesasne business, to the St. Lawrence Centre mall in Massena to Cornwall restaurants and businesses.

Cornwall’s mayor is pleading with government officials to meet with Akwesasne representatives to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

At a public meeting at the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, Chief James Ransom said tribal gaming is probably suffering three times the amount of Cornwall businesses.

“The longer it goes on, the greater the long-term impact,” he said. “We’re hoping it doesn’t last the whole summer but we’re not sure yet.”

Ransom said the tribe supports MCA in their efforts and has been working with them and the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs to ensure the wellbeing of the entire community.

However, Ransom said the tribe believes decisions should be made through consultation with the residents of Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) who are most severely impacted by the border closing.

Ransom said there has been a cross-border community-wide vote before (regarding land claims) and there shouldn’t be a problem conducting one again if that’s what MCA needs or wants to do in order to get a true idea of what the community wants.

One area where there community’s input would be needed is if Canada begins active plans to move the port to the City of Cornwall in response the Mohawks refusal to allow guns on Akwesasne territory. Community members would need to weigh the pros and cons. Moving the port to Cornwall would mean goods purchased by Mohawks would no longer be protected from taxation through the Remission Order. CBSA would also have free will to close down the Indian Lane.

“Sometimes I’ve come across and there are no cars in the regular lane and four cars waiting in the Indian Lane,” said Ransom. “That’s how strongly people feel that that’s our lane.”

Support

MCA sent a letter to other First Nations communities across Canada asking them for support in their struggle with Canada.

“The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne requests the support of First Nations communities, regional organizations, and First Nations organizations to assist us in having our voices heard by the Canadian Government regarding the arming of border officers at the Canada Customs Port of Entry at Akwesasne,” the letter read. “The MCA asks that you and the members of your First Nation and organization contact your local members of Parliament to insist that the Minister of Public Safety Peter Van Loan begin meaningful dialogue with the Mohawks of Akwesasne on the firearms issue.”

Immediately other communities went into action, lighting peaceful fires and planning protest rallies in their own communities. At Tyendinaga, a group of individuals blocked a roadway and Akwesasne has sent out the message that while they appreciate support , the protest should be peaceful and not disruptive as roadblocks are. Akwesasne protestors have remained peaceful throughout the past month and a half, and the Mohawk Nation Council nominated four men to act as Peacekeepers at the protest site on Kawehno:ke. They are Mike McDonald, Sky Fox, Sherman David and Nelson Jock.

In Akwesasne, a general unity is evident as people from all different factions within Akwesasne are fighting for the same rights and declarations. However, there are individuals who are not necessarily seeing the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the shutdown of the border, as it has inconvenienced them considerably and effected nearly every aspect of life on the territory. Indian Time, however, did not find any Mohawks opposed to the border issue who were willing to comment publicly.

Life Goes On

With traffic unable to go to Cornwall Island from the U.S., Akwesasne residents have been forced to find alternatives for work, school, play, business, shopping, and medical appointments. However, just over a week later the community has adjusted remarkably.

Just about anyone from Akwesasne can approach a main dock on the territory and expect to find a boat ride immediately to or from the island. There’s no charge, the drivers will tell you. Everyone is trying to lend a hand.

At the crossing between Point Road on Cornwall Island and Loran’s dock in Raquette Point, Dean Point spent 14 hours one day last week transporting people back and forth between the island and the mainland. He started at 5:30 a.m. and was on the boat until 9:30 p.m. Although he said his back hurt from the pounding of the waves on his small boat, he refused to accept gas money from a passenger.

In another instance, community members at a recent tribal meeting reported that a man on crutches approached a dock needing to make it to a medical appointment in Cornwall. Two others immediately jumped up to help him into a boat and off they went, “no trouble” at all.

“That’s the Indian way,” an elder exclaimed.

Every morning dozens of students from the island who attend mainland schools are transported by boat. For some, it’s an adventure. For now, while the weather is fair.

Tribal employees can catch a ride to work via the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police who are on the waters transporting employees and anyone else that needs a ride in the early morning and afternoon.

Meghan Barnes, a casino employee, has already gotten used to wrapping up in a hoodie sweatshirt and bearing the short windy ride across the St. Lawrence River.

“I really don’t mind the boat ride in the morning at all, except for the rain days!” she said. At the dock on the mainland, she has a relative’s truck waiting for her, which she can drive to and from work and leave behind on the mainland.

As reported last week, a barge is also on the river helping community members who can’t or don’t want to make the hour and a half drive around the long way to Cornwall Island with their vehicles,. The barge will take cars from docks in St. Regis and Snye to a dock on the island.

Despite the immediate effects of the closure of one of Akwesasne’s main transportation routes, Mohawk people will make do and adjust as needed as they have done throughout history. However, the common question being asked around the territory is, “How long do we have to do this for?”