A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Three died in a house fire Sun. January 26th at the Mitchell Bigtree homestead on St. Regis Road.
TERRITORY OF AKWESASNE – The Akwesasne community has experienced a horrific tragedy this past weekend in the deaths of three community members, including two small children, during a house fire. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne sends its deepest condolences to the entire David and Bigtree family and all who have been affected by this unimaginable loss. We ask the community to unite and offer emotional support to those most in need, in any capacity you›re able to be. Our strengths as a caring, family-driven community will be most needed in the days ahead.
We also ask the community to join us in recognizing all of Akwesasne's first responders who remain dedicated to helping our community members as fast as possible, even when their own lives are put at risk. Despite the borders that dissect us, Akwesasne is one community. Our Akwesasne Mohawk Police were first to respond to the fire despite being outside of their official jurisdiction. The police and volunteer firefighters go above and beyond their duties to help our community members. They are heroes among us. All of our community's police, ambulance staff and volunteer firefighters will need the community›s emotional support this week as they experience their own personal grief.
A tragedy of this enormity ripples across the territory, affecting every household. We are all connected in some way. Akwesasne is in mourning and we ask our neighbors and the public to be mindful and respectful of this grieving period. Nia:wenhkowa for your understanding.
It is due to this period of mourning that MCA has postponed all community meetings scheduled this week. The Tsi Snaihne, Kawehno:ke and Kana:takon district meetings were scheduled to take place on Jan. 27, and the General Meeting was scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30. Future dates will be announced as soon as they are available.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne›s Wholistic Health and Wellness Program has counselors available to meet with any community members in need. To make an appointment, contact 613-575-2341 Ext. 3100.
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