Bridge briefly reopens, then closes again

Akwesasne’s border crisis had a number of ups and downs this week and although the bridge was closed to northbound traffic as of press time Wednesday night, some hope for a resolution is in sight.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne announced Wednesday that they have developed a plan of action which Canada Border Services Agency has been open to. The plan calls for the border to be fully re-opened to all traffic within two weeks, and CBSA will place their armed agents at the foot of the north span bridge in Cornwall for a period of four months. After four months, CBSA will reoccupy their port on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) with their guards being unarmed for a period of four months. During that period additional armed agencies will be present at the port, including Mohawk Security and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police, and possibly the RCMP as well. Further negotiations for a long-term solution would take place during the eight-month period.

“The time period would be a ‘test’ for both sides to compromise and a measure of good faith by Akwesasne and CBSA,” said MCA. “It would provide healing and a better understanding to the sensitivity of our unique geographical location, as well as consideration for our proud culture and traditions. It is consistent with ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the border closure.”

MCA had additional meetings planned Thursday to further discuss the plan or alternate plans. However the union for the CBSA guards has stated that guards won’t ever return to work on Kawehno:ke because following their orders to vacate the premises on May 31, 2009, several of the guards went to their doctors and reported to the union that their doctors advised them their working conditions were harmful to their health.

However, CBSA has the option to staff the border checkpoints with managers and supervisors, as they are not part of the same union.

As MCA was giving a live report via radio to the community Wednesday evening, other events were unfolding at the U.S. Customs. Beginning last Saturday, a number of developments had occurred.

First, the funeral procession of David Richmond was allowed to pass through the police blockade on the U.S. side of the border in order to get onto Kawehno:ke. Since the border crisis began, only emergency vehicles were allowed to cross.

Although the border crisis is a battle between Akwesasne and Canada Customs (CBSA) over the arming of border guards, the U.S., out of good faith to Canada, has stopped traffic from crossing at the Cornwall – Akwesasne – Rooseveltown/Massena port knowing no Canadian border officials are on the other side to check vehicles entering the country.

In police discussions, the New York State Police have expressed their unhappiness with being stationed at a roadblock near the U.S. Customs 24/7.

On Sunday Kanietakeron (Larry Thompson) spoke with U.S. Customs officials about his position that he is immune to their laws and informed them that he would be back later in the day to cross. He told them that if anyone laid a hand on him they would be subjected to “natural law.” He was later allowed to cross into Canada.

Additional community members then also began demanding to cross. On Wednesday afternoon, elder Ernest Benedict, accompanied by a number of other community members in four vehicles, approached the U.S. police blockade. Asked, “Do you insist on crossing?” they replied, “Yes, we insist,” and they were allowed to pass.

Soon, word began to spread that the bridge was open, although no one knew if any restrictions applied.

By 3:30 p.m. a few dozen cars had lined up and they were being allowed to pass into Canada one by one, about five minutes apart. U.S. Customs had taken over duties at the blockade with state police standing nearby.

“We are required to inform you that Canadian Customs are closed and by entering Canada you will be in violation of Canadian law and you enter at your own risk,” the agents told each person passing through.

At a secondary station just past the blockade, customs agents searched each vehicle before allowing them to continue on to Canada.

Indian Time passed through and went to Cornwall without any incident.

A short time later, word was sent to the protestors at the tent on Kawehno:ke that U.S. Customs and state police had once again stopped allowing traffic to pass into Canada.

No reason was given and police and Customs agents at the scene – including the U.S. Customs supervisor – said they did not know on what grounds that road had been blocked again. The port director Bob Stevenson was inside using the telephone to reach authorities in Washington who would direct him on his next move.

As of 8 pm. police stationed at the blockade were continuing to turn away all traffic except emergency vehicles.