Akwesasne Leadership: Bridge Will Remain Open To Respect Mid-Winter Ceremonies

TERRITORY OF AKWESASNE—A leadership meeting took place on Monday, January 14th between Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs, and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne to discuss the following items:

- Concerns raised by community members regarding the International Bridge Crossing

- Update on events in Ottawa last week regarding meetings between Prime Minister and First Nation Chiefs

- Announcement of Mid-Winter Ceremonies

It was acknowledged that any community events planned for this Wednesday, Jan. 16, would not include closure of the Three Nations Bridge.  This is due in part to the planned Mid-Winter Ceremonies, being held at the Mohawk Nation Longhouse beginning on January 16th through January 23rd. Mid-Winter ceremonies are a spiritual, cultural practice held since time immemorial over seven days of ceremonies. It is a time for the community to come together and acknowledge that a new cycle of life has begun.  This is also a time for medicine renewal, newborns to be named, and for sacred songs and dances to be performed acknowledging the cycle of life.

Other concerns raised by community members referred to students in school on both sides of the border who are currently writing exams. Additionally, ample time was not given to the planning of a peaceful demonstration that may have resulted in a bridge closure and therefore residents of Kawehno:ke were not properly consulted.

The leadership of Akwesasne also decided Jan. 14 that it is best to keep the bridge open at this time while discussion continues between national First Nations leadership and the Prime Minister’s office as well as to support planned community events.

Prime Minister Harper has requested the next few weeks to properly respond to proposals brought forth by First Nations Chiefs and which have been identified as an 8-point Plan of priority at a meeting Jan. 11.  The Prime Minister has agreed to consider the implementation of treaties as a top priority.

Akwesasne has identified three points in particular that are issues for our community. The first is for the full implementation of the Jay Treaty rights for the protection of border crossing rights.

The second is for a faster and smoother land claim resolution process to be implemented by the federal government. Commitment to an immediate high level working process with First Nation leadership for establishing framework, with necessary mandates, is necessary for the fair implementation and enforcement of treaties on a treaty-by-treaty basis.

The third issue is in regard to First Nations education.  A commitment of additional funding for schools on First Nations territories is imperative to allow for proper cultural curriculum including language and history.  It is also priority for First Nations to maintain control over their schools and curriculum.

These three points are priorities for Akwesasne and we are anxious to see how Canada will respond. Akwesasne leadership would like to acknowledge the grassroots Idle No More movement for their help in calling for action on these priority issues. It is time for leadership to work together and challenge the Canadian government to take immediate action on these points.