MCA VOICES OBJECTIONS TO PROTEST AT ENTRYWAY TO BRIDGE CROSSING

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne continues to actively monitor the “Freedom Convoy” protests taking place throughout Ontario. These gatherings included the day-long protest held this past Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 at the end of Brookdale and the Three Nations Bridge Crossing in the City of Cornwall. Police continue to monitor the area.  

 

We do not support roadblocks and protests that hinder access to basic needs, and we will not allow for our community safety to be jeopardized. Akwesasne will not tolerate non-Akwesasne members blocking any road access to any part of our community. We are opposed to any return of protests that place a burden on our community members traveling to and from Akwesasne.  

 

The international border was placed through our community because of bad government policy, and today we continue to be hindered by it. We support the right to protest, but not at the risk of community safety and mobility.    

 

As an indigenous community, we are very aware of the purpose of protests and of voicing concerns to the government. However, these protests must take into account the impact on uninvolved communities. Akwesasne community members make up more than 70 percent of the users of this border crossing. A demonstration in and near the roads leading to Akwesasne will not give vaccine-mandate protestors the results they are seeking from Canada.