The Mohawk Council is opposed to the Seaway International Bridge Corporation’s decision to relocate the tollbooth plaza to the City of Cornwall. The SIBC did not give any consideration to the difficulty that it will pose to the trade and commerce, as well as the recreational and community activities that Akwesasne and Cornwall currently enjoy.

According to MCA Grand Chief Mike Kanetakeron Mitchell, “We have already received complaints from the business community and have heard concerns that the location of the existing tollbooth has created challenges for the delivery of goods and services. The complaint is from Canadian-based vendors that have to pay a toll to access portions of Akwesasne that are also located in Canada. The toll has also been an inconvenience for spectators and has hurt attendance at games being held at the A’nowarako:wa Arena on Cornwall Island.”

The international border bisects Akwesasne and there is limited access to its northern districts of Kanatakon, Kawehnoke, and Tsi Snaihne. The only way for spectators to attend a sporting event at the A’nowarako:wa Arena or for vendors or customers to access the Peace Tree Mall on Kawehnoke is to utilize the international bridge crossing. They are still in Canada and shouldn’t be charged a toll.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne also questions the need for a toll after the low-level bridge is completed. It is designed to replace the existing high-level bridge that has been costly to maintain. The new bridge is shorter and will require very little servicing, which eliminates the need for a toll to offset its ongoing maintenance.

Another point the MCA will raise with the SIBC is that they service two bridges that connect Cornwall Island. If a toll is required, it should be located on the U.S. side of the bridge or the south shore of Cornwall Island, which would make it easier for Cornwall and Akwesasne to enjoy direct business relations.

The Mohawk Council stated that the SIBC’s decision to keep the tollbooth in Cornwall doesn’t make good business sense and is shortsighted. It threatens the strong relationship that our community and Cornwall have established and pushes Akwesasne further away from Canada.

The Grand Chief added, “Not only is the Canadian Border Services Agency cutting off Akwesasne from Canada, we now have the SIBC doing the same.  It will force Akwesasne to focus on our relationship with our U.S. neighbors and do more business with U.S.-based service providers.”

The MCA will press the SIBC to reconsider its decision and remains committed to finding mutually beneficial solutions to Akwesasne’s concerns.

Mayor Bob Kilger of Cornwall had the following to say in a release:

“I believe that there should be no toll at all on the new bridge connecting Cornwall to Akwesasne,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “It is a position that I believe is widely held in the local business community and around the Council table, and City Council will be considering a motion addressing this issue Monday night.”

There’s a big meeting planned for this Thursday at the St. Regis Recreation building and a petition going around to have the officer resign from his position. In this segment they only mention the Kassian’s and the driver of the van the officer was chasing, what they don’t mention are the two young people he chased in 2010 who also perished in a high speed chase led by Officer Biron. 

The Petition is online and people can even sign in with their social media id’s.   LINK

We, the people of Akwesasne , petition Mike Biron to immediately resign from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services . We, the people of Akwesasne , request that the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne take action in the resignation of Mike Biron and assert their authority as elected leaders of this community and banish Mike Biron from entering, working, or accessing any of the Akwesasne community facilities. We, the people of Akwesasne, believe that Mike Biron is guilty of abusing his authority as an Akwesasne Mohawk Police offiicer and has engaged continuously in aggressive authoritative abuse. We, the people of Akwesasne, believe that Mike Biron is ultimately responisble for the deaths of Amber Aliff, Dakota Benedict, Edward and Eileen Kassian , and Dany Gionet . We, the people of Akwesasne, request the Moahwk Council of Akwesasne to enter into legislative reform and outlaw high speed pursuits in the community of Akwesasne.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne issued the following release today which we are publishing unedited:

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Commission and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service have learned that the Governor General of Canada awarded the Medal of Bravery to Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service Cst. Michael Biron. The award was bestowed during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ontario on Friday, April 20, 2012.

The nomination of Cst. Biron for the Medal of Bravery was made without the knowledge or involvement of the Mohawk Council, the Police Commission or the Mohawk Police Service. Therefore, comments cannot be provided on a process in which they did not participate. Questions regarding the nomination should be directed to the Governor General’s office at 613-993-8200.

At this time, what is known is that the award was given to Cst. Biron for his attempt to save the lives of Edward and Eileen Kassian who died in a tragic car accident that took place on Kawehnoke on November 14, 2008. The incident occurred after a pursuit originating from the City of Cornwall, Ontario ended in a collision with Dany Gionet, who also lost his life.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Commission, and the Mohawk Police Department continue to express their deepest sympathies and condolences to the Kassian and Gionet families for their loss.

The MCA, the Police Commission, and AMPS all place the public’s safety at the highest level. As a result, protocols and measures have been implemented to ensure that the safety of the traveling public within Akwesasne continues to be a priority.

In 2008, the Kassian family sought civil proceedings. To honor the integrity of those proceedings, further comment will not be available..

CFN

It was once said that you could find out the history of the Iroquois people from the exquisite strokes of John’s paintbrush.  He always has a story, a legend, a piece of history behind each creation.

“I portray the Mohawk/Iroquois people the way my mind and spirit sees it; to inspire people to seek knowledge and the respect of our traditional culture,” says John.  He goes on to say, “I come from a very traditional family, my parents, the late Frank “StandingArrow” and Georgia Thomas are remembered by many as great cultural educators.  I carry that part of my family on to our future generations.”  John’s expressions and knowledge is given to the community by speaking to children at local schools, High schools and Universities about his art. “I believe I must carry my vision on to the future generations of the Mohawk people through my art work.”  

John is a Wolf Clan, Mohawk who is one of Akwesasne’s finest artists that is the most culturally expressed.  With his career spanning for over 40 years, John has mastered the use of color in his vibrant paintings.  He is able to articulate the details of the Haudenosaunee culture with great accuracy and intricate detail.  His work is  sought by many art collectors, museums, and many Native Institutions, including the National Assembly of First Nations.  In addition, he has had showings of his art throughout United States and Canada.  John B. Thomas is the artist of true natural talent.

St. Lawrence College was the host site for the February 29th Eastern Ontario Secondary School Skills Competition.

Pictured are the 3 participants in the Prepared Speeches Competition along with the judges from Smart City Toastmasters. L-R Geraldine Jacobs, Lauren Reid (Gold), Rose MeGill (Silver), Carol Bennett-Bray, Meghan Andrews (Bronze), Bob LeBrun

On March 7th, Smart City Toastmasters hosted the Area Contest for Table Topics and International Speech. Members from Cornwall’s other club, Seaway Toastmasters, as well as members from Akwesasne and Kingston also  participated as officials and competitors.

Area Contest Winners L-R
Brad LeClair First Place in Table Topics Contest and First Place in International Speech Contest.
Carol Bennett-Bray Second Place in Table Topics Contest
Jason McDonald Second Place in International Speech Contest
Schereese Jackson Third Place in Table Topics Contest
Erin Robertson Third Place in International Speech Contest.
The top winners now go to the Regionals to be held at MacIntosh Inn March 25th after lunch.

Smart City Toastmasters meets at 6:45 p.m.  in the Library of St. Lawrence Intermediate School on the first and third Wednesday of each month.  All are welcome.

CFN

The MOU is the product of two years of negotiations with the CRA that occurred under the supervision of Justice Francois Lemieux, of the Federal Court.

Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell noted,

“The negotiations were initiated due to an action that the MCA took to remind Revenue Canada that Akwesasne also has jurisdiction and laws that are exercised for the protection of the community.” He added, “The Memorandum of Understanding is an important result of those negotiations as it ensures that Government of Canada will continue to recognize Akwesasne’s authority to determine our community’s social and economic development.”

The MOU recognizes the 2005 Political Protocol between the MCA and the Government of Canada, the purpose of which is to support the social and economic development of the community of Akwesasne and to negotiate arrangements to facilitate the exercise of jurisdiction by the MCA.  Importantly, the MOU contains recognition of Akwesasne laws, in particular those laws and approval processes related to the manufacture of tobacco products in Akwesasne.

The purpose of the MOU is to establish a framework for the exchange of information between the MCA and CRA, regarding the CRA’s role in the issuance of licenses to manufacture tobacco products in Akwesasne.

Kanata:kon District Chief Rachel Roundpoint pointed out that the community consultation process that MCA undertook before signing the MOU was essential.   The MCA held a special focus meeting attended by legal counsel to explain the MOU and answer questions. Further consultations were undertaken at district meetings in December, 2011. “Transparency and openness are very important to the MCA and the community,” observed Chief Roundpoint. “The negotiations under the Federal Court are confidential, so we worked out a solution to ensure that community members had the opportunity to read the MOU and have their questions answered.”  As a further measure of transparency, on January 28, 2011, Council voted on the approval of the MOU at a General Meeting, which was attended by members of the community.

After the MOU was signed by the MCA and CRA, Justice Lemieux approved the MOU and discontinued the legal proceedings by order of the Court.  Justice Lemieux congratulated the parties on the MOU and stressed the MOU’s significance as a model of how First Nations and federal authorities can coordinate and cooperate to obtain mutual objectives. These negotiations are considered a success for both parties involved.

CFN

“This is a wonderful new initiative funded by Justice Canada and we hope to be able to provide the support and assistance that victims of B&E need and deserve” states Diane Plourde, Executive Director of Victim Services.  “People often don’t realize the traumatic effect a B&E can have on individuals, including children.  It is a violation of one’s private space.  We want to be able to assist victims in dealing with what has happened and help them feel more secure”.  

CFN

The contribution is part of the Cooperation and Land Use Agreement between the MCA and NGTL, signed in 2009 to benefit the community. The agreement commits NGTL to a one-time infrastructure payment of $1 million and ongoing annual payments of about $100,000 over the next 20 years for the use of land through which an NGTL pipeline runs.

Since the early 1960s, NGTL and Enbridge have safely operated a pipeline, which crosses the St. Lawrence River and Cornwall Island and delivers natural gas to St. Lawrence Gas (an NGTL affiliate) in northern New York State.  That pipeline previously crossed the North Channel of the river to Cornwall Island via the North Channel Bridge, owned by Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL).  When FBCL announced plans nearly a decade ago to replace this bridge, NGTL and Enbridge began exploring alternative crossing options, which led to negotiations with the MCA. The resulting agreement facilitated the construction of a new subsurface pipeline crossing, installed in late 2011 using horizontal directional drilling.

Lisa Lawler, NGTL’s President, said the negotiations and the resulting agreement demonstrate the commitment by both sides to work together to build a strong and ongoing relationship.

“The relationship between the MCA and NGTL and Enbridge is one that I am extremely proud of,” said Lawler.  “Throughout the past decade, we have built a relationship that is as a model of how working together in an open and transparent manner can achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.”

Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell, the MCA Grand Chief, added:

“Akwesasne has been engaged in a process to define and re-define its relationship with external agencies and governments that recognizes our jurisdiction and decision-making authority to determine how our lands will be utilized for the benefit of the Mohawks of Akwesasne.”

During construction of the replacement pipeline crossing, representatives from Enbridge Gas Distribution (EGD), operating on behalf of NGTL, bought materials and rented workspace from local businesses.  They also structured contracts that favoured the hiring of Akwesasne workers and contractors to the greatest extent possible. And they worked closely with the MCA’s Department of the Environment on a Harmonized Environmental Assessment Report, which incorporates traditional knowledge into project plans.

Lawler said the agreement provides the foundation for an ongoing relationship with NGTL and Enbridge that will contribute to long-term opportunities. For example, as part of the agreement, the companies have agreed to work with the MCA to conduct a feasibility study on the merits of the community operating a natural gas distribution system in the Akwesasne Territory.

“The benefits come not just because of the agreement’s initial million-dollar infrastructure payment and ongoing annual payments, but through our plans to continue to work together,” explained Lawler.

Pictured above from left:  Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne; Lisa Lawler, President, NGTL and Guy Jarvis, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution unite to mark a Cooperation & Land Use Agreement at an official ceremony at the Tri District Elders Lodge, Kawehnoke (Cornwall Island, Akwesasne).

The incident happened Sunday December 18th, at approximately 11:30 AM.   It appears that the man stopped and had a smoke at the top of the bridge before coming down.

We will update this for you as more information becomes available.

Thanks to a viewer that sent in these pics.  If you see news email us at info@cornwallfreenews.com or call our hotline at 613 361 1755

Wine Kitz Gift Certificates Will Make Your Special Someone Smile!

The Grand Chief will also be traveling at the request of the Mohawk Council to gauge the alarming situation at Attawapiskat, which has been the focus of national media attention during the past weeks. The Grand Chief’s personal assessment will determine what items and/or expertise are urgently needed by the First Nation; such as technical and trade skills, multi-year planning and experience with community housing.

“Akwesasne can help with any of these specific areas,” stated Grand Chief Mitchell. He added, “We know that there is a massive drive underway across the country to send used clothing and other emergency items, but we need to look at what will bring long-term stability to the community.”

The primary purpose of trip is to see what First Nations communities can do to help other First Nations, as we learn that Attawapiskat is not an isolated situation. In addition to Attawapiskat, there are reports of more than 100 First Nations communities in northern Canada that are experiencing similar setbacks; with improper educational facilities, untreated sewage and insufficient drinking water, as well as substandard housing.

An increasing number of First Nations need help in developing housing and safety codes that will protect their families and communities. First Nations, such as Akwesasne, can assist in these areas by providing its firsthand knowledge and technical assistance. Some items that the MCA hopes to share is Akwesasne’s experience in overseeing water and wastewater treatment facilities, community housing developments, as well as the training of highly-skilled professionals like firefighters and police officers.

The Grand Chief stated that, “The MCA has received numerous calls from local and regional organizations associated with educational institutions and the business community, both in Cornwall and Akwesasne, that are interested in volunteering for fundraising efforts.” He added, “We appreciate their willingness and look forward to developing a plan where their help will be most effective.”

The trip to Attawapiskat is being sponsored by RIM, the company that produces the popular Blackberry product line.

We have known for some time that the North American Union is in the works, is always on the back burner and kept away from the public eye. This Conservative government is operating in complete secrecy, beating civil servants over the head and running everything out of the PMO.

Guy Lauzon is out of the loop. In the Conservative government the MP’s are simply puppets doing the bidding of Harper. They are irrelevant and powerless. The House of Commons is a toothless tiger.

I wrote about the border situation exactly two years ago and have posted that article below. I believed then, as I do now, that Canada is undergoing “deep integration” with the United States and has been doing that for quite a while. It got started under Paul Martin and I think it has always been part of Harper’s plan from the beginning. It’s never in the media because the government doesn’t want any opposition to its plan of integration.

Things are going to get worse before they get better. I think the whole ‘smuggling’ issue is a huge diversion in order to create a crisis and then get government to fix it. But the problem is that they we have no say in what the ‘fix’ will be. With technology, surveillance and communications today the government could take out smugglers on the St. Lawrence River if it wanted to. I think they’re letting it happen. You have to examine all possibilities.

A future Canadian government press release might read like this:

“In view of the continuation of the dangerous smuggling activities in the Cornwall/Lancaster region, we have             decided to combine policing and border service initiatives with the United States and integrate these services     for the safety and protection of Canadian citizens.”

Don’t you feel better already?

David Icke calls this ” problem/reaction/solution.” The government creates a crisis so it can bring in often unpopular legislation as the ‘fix.’ Would the Patriot Act ever have seen the light of day without 9/11? I think not.

Our Canadian sovereignty will became part of history unless we apply political pressure now.

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