OPP Commissioner Fantino tours Akwesasne
(left to right) OPP Regional Commander Larry Beechet, MCA Grand Chief Tim Thompson, OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, and AMP Officer Ed Thompson.
AKWESASNE, ON, Feb. 5 - Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Tim Thompson provided a guided tour of Akwesasne to Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino last month. The half-day event held on January 17th was important as it marked the first meeting between both leaders as they work towards addressing the impact of the international border on the Mohawk community.
“It was a chance to acquaint myself with the wonderful culture and community,” said Commissioner Fantino at a luncheon held afterwards at the St. Regis Recreation Center. Fantino noted that it helped provide him with a better understanding of the unique situation that exists in Akwesasne due to the border.
This was the first time the Commissioner visited the Mohawk community since he became Ontario’s top law enforcement officer in October 2006. His visit included stops at various MCA facilities in districts located in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It was Grand Chief Thompson’s intent that the personal tour to the three districts of Cornwall Island, St. Regis and Tsisniahne helped show how the boundaries adversely affect the daily lives of community members.
“The visit was an opportunity to have a frank discussion on the proceeds of crime, border crossing and the need for a police substation on Cornwall Island to better serve the needs of the community,” said Grand Chief Thompson. When speaking on the future relationship with the Commissioner, Thompson added, “I trust that the Commissioner will take our concerns to the provincial government.”
Commissioner Fantino commended the Akwesasne Mohawk Police for their outstanding service in providing for the community’s safety and their involvement in various border enforcement initiatives.
“They’re [AMP] a reputable and respected law enforcement agency that are visionary in their leadership,” remarked Fantino. He added, “We will continue to do all that we can to support local efforts.”
The event concluded with an exchange of gifts between the two leaders. Grand Chief Thompson presented a traditional Mohawk sweetgrass basket made by Akwesasne artisan Florence Benedict, as an example of the community’s rich and proud culture. Commissioner Fantino responded by presenting the Grand Chief with a photograph taken of OPP and AMP officers during a recent Akwesasne International Pow-wow held at the Anonwarakowa Arena on Cornwall Island, Ontario.
In presenting the gift, Commissioner Fantino stated that the message to be taken from the photo’s meaning is that, “We are all brothers and sisters that are working towards the same result.”
For further information: Brendan F. White, Mohawk Communications Group, Phone: (315) 769-5465.