"MIKINAK TRIBE" NOT AFFILIATED WITH AKWESASNE

(April 16, 2018) The “Mikinak Tribe” is a self-identified group that the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) does not recognize or support as a First Nation Community. In July 2016, the MCA put out a release that noted the disapproval. That sentiment still stands today.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada noted in a June 2016 APTN interview “while these cards convey membership to an organization, they do not convey Indian Status.”

During a radio interview in July 2016 with the K103 Partyline Talkshow, Guillaume Carle, who identifies himself as the National Grand Chief and National Spiritual Elder of the Confederation of Aboriginal People of Canada, noted that he was “a warrior from Akwesasne,” and that he had “approached Akwesasne,” and is “working together (with Akwesasne).” Additionally, in a June 2016 interview with APTN, there is a nameplate that clearly displays Grand Chief of Akwesasne during a “Mikinak Tribe” meeting.

Recently, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne was informed that the “home base” and official address the Mikinak is utilizing is traced to Akwesasne, in the District of Kana:takon.

District Chief of Kana:takon, Steve Thomas, noted that, “The idea that they are using an address in Kana:takon is disconcerting and unwarranted.” He also stated that, “The MCA is in agreement with the Councils of Kahnawa:ke and Kanesatake. Mikinak’s are using Illegal Status Cards for unwarranted tax exempt usage.”

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Abram Benedict reaffirms that “the Mikinak tribe has never approached the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. They are not based here, nor do we have any affiliation with them. This self-identified group seems to be claiming to be a Status Indian in order for tax exemption and money-driven motives. This group is only trying to benefit themselves-not true First Nations people.”

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne will be filing a complaint with Industry Canada regarding the unauthorized use of our territorial address.

Distirct Chief Steve Thomas had this to add, “The media release to the community is first step, the letter to Industry Canada the second step, a formal resolution from the Iroquois Caucus is step 3, and AFN acknowledgment of this fraudulent group is step 4.

As of today, they (Mikinak) have not been noticed in this community, but have been chased out of Kahnawake. We are unified with the objections from Kahnawake and Kanesatake.”