Kahnawà:ke Develops Solid Support Structure at onset COVID-19 Pandemic

By Kaniehtonkie

On April 6, 2020, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Pandemic Task Force (MCKPTF) issued a press release “reminding the general public that ALL STORES ARE CLOSED TO NON-COMMUNITY MEMBERS at this time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes all tobacco stores on the Territory”.

Referencing the MCK Kahnawà:ke Emergency Preparedness Law, “Every person who contravenes any provision of this Kahnawà:ke Communal Law, or incites a person to do so, is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $1,000 in the case of a natural person, or to a fine of not more than $10,000 in the case of a corporation or partnership.”

Kahnawàke Peacekeepers will issue fines for noncompliance.

The decision to close the stores was not made lightly. According to Chief Harry Angus Skahionhati Rice and a member of the MCK Pandemic Task force, the decision to close the stores ‘wasn’t an easy decision to make’.

Rice stated, “This community is for residents only. Deliveries are still being made such as supplies of food and medicine, but non-residents do not have any business here. Kahnawàke’s cigarette factories, distillery and winery and bars have all been very cooperative in closing their businesses during this pandemic.”

It was to reduce the number of non-locals entering Kahnawake which would put the community at a high risk of the virus being transmitted.

Ratsénhaienhs (Council Chief) Tonya Perron said in the PR, “We need to make it absolutely clear that we are doing everything we can to reduce our risk. The directive has already been posted in French and English on electronic billboards located on the highways running

through Kahnawà:ke, but some people are still coming into the heart of the community searching for tobacco products – which is unacceptable.”

“We appreciate everyone who has respected our directive during this challenging time,” she concluded.

The release went on to say, “There are no exceptions to this directive”.

The MCKPTF have been working diligently from on-site testing to financial support for their community members. The Task Force meets regularly establishing mandates, policies and directives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early action had provided Kahnawake with a drive-up test site which opened nearly ten days ago, sufficient stock of medical supplies and financial resources for small businesses and individuals in need.

Early on, MCKPTF set aside $9 million dollars to help individuals who work ‘under the table’ and support for individuals navigating their way through their employment insurance application through Quebec. Small businesses such as cigarette shops, beauty shops, construction and carpenters and more are eligible to ‘receive money to get them through the month’.

Rice went on the say there were complaints at the beginning, questioning, ‘who are you to say who and what can be open’. Since then, it’s been quiet.

Rice stated, “We do have a case here. We did have three cases and they have since finished their quarantine and they are no longer affected. We are in a solid, good place right now and we have taken measures to protect ourselves. Tyendinaga requested assistance but in this critical time, it would be very difficult to help. Kahnawake task force team is willing to share documents with any First Nation about implementing measures that we have put into place for the greater good and safety of the community.”

Rice added on a more personal note, “Also I would like to add that the Peacekeepers and paramedics are doing an awesome job with what we are dealing with, having to be the first line of communications and contact with calls coming in. Also a hats off to the stores who continue to provide their service, groceries, toilet paper, and other basic provisions. To all of our brothers and sisters across Turtle Island, please obey all measures your community are putting into place, respect the 6-foot distancing, wash your hands and please be safe. All my relations, Harry.”