Response to MCA, New Band not Recognized

March 17, 2014

Letter to the Editor

Response to MCA, New Band not Recognized

The process has not been completed. An official request was given to the Minister that dealt with our concerns.

We have tried to work with Mohawk Council over the past 5 years to no avail.

The last election had an appeal filed with members living off of the reserve and living in Cornwall and surrounding areas voting. The result is that there was no investigation into the appeal. They went with the addresses that were on file.

All that had to be done to verify the claim was to ask the complainant who the voters were. That was not done. The other irregularity was the complainant’s sister was on the appeal board. Is that not a conflict of interest? So, are the Cornwall Island chiefs really the chiefs for the island? Did they follow their own customary election law?

The election law also does not include the members that are residing in Cornwall to have a voice in the business of Akwesasne but MCA collects moneys for them. It is frowned upon to vote in outside elections but where do these people go to have their voice heard?

On top of all of this, the Indian Act is the law. Ms. Radecki is currently the Lands and Economic Development director for AANDC Ontario Region. She is an employee within the Department and is following protocol for disbanding, not the law.

Discussions were had with the former speaker of the House of Commons at a dinner attended by two of the district chiefs as well as myself. He stated that the law is the law. Once it has passed, it is legislated.

We are forging ahead with our quest to be free of the oppressive nature of MCA as well as their intimidating tactics. Do as we say or we will cut your services.

We have a right to choose where and with whom we decide to be. Did anyone prior to the name change request to be a member of MCA or was it dictated upon us?

This is all about freedom of choice. We can determine our path.

Many question my motives. They are simple. I am concerned with the future and having a safe, secure community for my children and grandchildren to live in.

Cordially,

Beverly Pyke