Canada's Proposal for "Alternative Reporting" on Kawehnoke Presented at MCA General Meeting

(Akwesasne) At the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s final general meeting of the year, Grand Chief Abram Benedict presented an overview of the proposed “Alternative Reporting” concept proposed for Kawehnoke by Canadian customs officials. According to the plan, an automated inspection station will be constructed in the paved area close to where the Kawehnoke port of entry once stood. Akwesasne residents visiting or returning home to Kawehnoke will be able to use this alternative reporting method rather than proceeding across the next bridge to report in Cornwall.

One possible hitch in this plan is the requirement that anyone using this system will have to use a new ID card issued by Canada Border Services Agency. That agency only recognizes MCA’s “band cards” for transit. Nothing was said about the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s ID card or the “red card” issued by the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs. Concern was raised by a community member that the automated port’s security system might train a camera on the crossing at the four corners, just north of the area in question. Some community members enter Kawehnoke from the US and do not report to Cornwall, but simply turn left or right at the four corners. Benedict assured the community member that security cameras at the proposed facility will not be pointed in that direction. He noted that the system will be phased in on a gradual basis, perhaps at peak travel hours during the weekday, but eventually will operate longer. The gradual implementation will take place over a period of 18 to 24 months. Extensive community consultation is envisioned throughout the process.

Benedict’s full presentation is being made available on video online at Youtube, which is accessible though postings on MCA’s Facebook page. MCA’s general meeting was held on Thursday, November 30 at the Tsi Snaihne Recreation Centre. It had been scheduled for the district of Kanatakon but switched to Tsi-Snaihne because of a death in the village. It was also announced at the meeting that the MCA signed an agreement on November 15th with Ontario’s Minister of Community Safety & Correctional Services to operate a pilot project called S. A. V. E. Team. This will enhance the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service in its fight against smuggling on the St. Lawrence River. This project will “provide financial resources to AMPS in support of the development of a dedicated Snowmobile, All Terrain Vehicle, and Vessel Enforcement Team within the territory of Akwesasne.” $1,576,554 will be allocated in the first year, with $898,726 to be spent the following year. The money will be spent on equipment, facilities, and the salaries of one sergeant, two constables, and one support staff. These will be existing AMPS personnel, not new hires.