Akwesasne Mohawk Community Holding Unity
Social & Rally in Advance of June 1st CBSA Arming
Onerahtohko:wa / May 28, 2009
AKWESASNE -- The community of Akwesasne will be holding a Unity Social and Rally in advance of the arming of federal border guards on the Akwesasne Mohawk territory. The events are intended to raise awareness of the Government of Canada's ill-conceived plan to arm Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) Officers stationed in Akwesasne beginning in June 2009. An increasing number of Native and non-Native People are united in viewing the arming of CBSA officers as a direct threat to the safety of Akwesasne residents and all border travelers that pass through the Cornwall Port of Entry located on the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory.
Today, members of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne are traveling to Ottawa to condemn the Canadian Government's intention to permit its custom officers to begin carrying weapons Akwesasne Mohawk territory. They intend on meeting with CBSA President Stephen Rigby and federal officials to voice their concerns of Akwesasne and residents from surrounding communities. Mohawk Council’s aim is to clearly indicate that arming federal agents in the Mohawk territory of Akwesasne will worsen an already tense situation.
At 6:30pm on Friday, May 29th, Akwesasne community members will be holding a Unity Social at the Rally Site next to the Canada Customs Building on Kawehnoke. The event is open to the public, both Native and non-Native, and will be held next to the tent on the Rally Site. Everyone is encouraged to attend and show support.
At noon on Saturday, May 30th, community members will be holding another Unity Rally at the Kawehnoke Port of Entry. Rally participants will meet at the main crossroads on Kawehnoke to protest against the June 1st arming.
The arming of CBSA Officers in an immediate residential area on Akwesasne Mohawk Territory is unnecessary and will place the safety of all border travelers in jeopardy. The Mohawk community of Akwesasne is inviting supporters to join us for a Unity Social and Rally in calling for an urgent meeting between the Minister of Public Safety Peter Van Loan and Akwesasne Mohawk Leadership
