MCA CLOSED FOR SOLAR ECLIPSE – MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024
Please be reminded that the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s offices and buildings will be closed on Monday, April 8, 2024, to allow for community members and staff to safely view the total solar eclipse. The eclipse event will begin at approximately 2:12 p.m. first as a partial eclipse. The total solar eclipse will begin at 3:25 p.m., lasting approximately three and a half minutes. The eclipse will then continue with partial totality until approximately 4:37 p.m. when the event concludes.
MCA recognizes that with safety in mind it will be best to avoid travel throughout the eclipse event and that keeping our roadways as clear as possible is ideal. We also recognize that the April 8th total solar eclipse is a rare and amazing once in a lifetime event for Akwesasne, due to our privileged location within the narrow path of “totality.” We hope that the community and our staff will enjoy the experience of this phenomenal occurrence from a safe location.
Please remember that solar eclipse glasses must be worn throughout the entire 2.5 hour eclipse event to avoid permanent eye damage. Glasses can be removed only during the short period of totality but please do so with caution and replace glasses prior to the sun re-emerging. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne & Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe are working together and are compiling a list of local locations where solar eclipse glasses can be obtained.
Please also be prepared for greater numbers of visitors to, or through, our community. Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the Adirondacks to be part of this special event and moment in history.
SAFETY REMINDERS
1. Use eye protection when looking at the sun throughout the eclipse event.
2. If travelling to a remote area (such as the Adirondacks) for viewing, ensure you are equipped with food, water, medications and emergency items in the event of unexpected traffic delays.
3. Avoid parking on roadsides; find a safe place for viewing.
4. Plan for high volumes of traffic to or through Akwesasne.
4. Have a plan for communication with family in the event that cell towers are overloaded.
5. Enjoy this once in a lifetime event.