Tribe Expresses its Condolences to Venezuela for the Passing of President Hugo Chavez

Akwesasne Territory – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council expressed its condolences today in a letter to the people of Venezuela and the family of President Hugo Chavez.  President Chavez passed away on Tuesday March 6, 2013 at 4:25 p.m. local time.  “President Chavez was a true champion of Native People and poor people everywhere, both in North American and South America,” the letter stated in part.

President Chavez saw himself as a revolutionary and savior of the poor and transformed Venezuela to the benefit of the poor.  In addition to providing benefits to the Native people and poor of Venezuela, he initiated a program which allocated fuel oil through CITGO to low-income and Native Tribes in North America, including the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.  “Our community has been greatly appreciative of this program,” said Randy Hart, Tribal Chief. “It has helped many of our community members who sometimes struggle with the cost of heating during our long, cold winter seasons.”  Chavez’s policies offered assistance and established help for Indian tribes and other low-income Americans in need.  “We applaud and appreciate his compassionate generosity,” stated the condolence letter.  “Without his kind assistance and attention many more people would have continued to suffer.”  During the winter of 2006-07 the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe received its first fuel allocation.

“President Chavez’s generosity reflects the bond between Native People everywhere,” stated Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance.  “It will be difficult for any other president to follow in his footsteps, but we hope that his successor will follow his example of kindness and generosity to the people who are most in need.”