DEMONSTRATION IN SUPPORT OF WET’SUWET’EN NATION
On Friday, February 7, 2020, local supporters gathered on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) to demonstrate their support for the Wet’suwet’en Nation in British Columbia, who are currently defending their First Nation territory against the proposed Coastal GasLink pipeline.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. last Friday, the Seaway International Bridge Corporation (SIBC) restricted traffic to Kawehno:ke from the US and from Canada, due to the Wet’suwet’en supporters occupying the middle of Akwesasne International Road.
The SIBC is responsible for the operation and management of the international toll bridges linking Cornwall (Ontario), Akwesasne, and Massena (New York).
Wet’suwet’en supporters proceeded across the Cornwall bridge and attended the SIBC tollbooth to request that local traffic be allowed to cross the bridge. Representatives of the Mohawk Council also attended SIBC in an effort to ensure that the traffic restriction was lifted in a timely manner and that Akwesasronon could resume their usual travel.
Wet’suwet’en supporters were encouraged to show their support by gathering on the access road across from the Peace Tree Mall, where their safety and the safety of others would not be compromised.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., local supporters no longer occupied the road and traffic was re-opened.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne reminds the public that obstructing the roadway on Akwesasne International Road is a safety hazard, one that can lead to closure of the bridges and the corridor. Seventy percent (70%) of the total bridge users are residents of Akwesasne and it is our community members that are the most negatively impacted by such closures.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne supports our brothers and sisters in the Wet’suwet’en Nation and we encourage dialogue amongst all parties to find a peaceful solution.
The Wet’suwet’en Nation official website provides more information to those who wish to show support: www.unistoten.camp/support-us/