Akwesasne Leadership sign memorandum of understanding with seaway, Canada, US, for greater cooperation related to ice-breaking
Akwesasne, NY (June 22, 2006)
– Representatives of the Seaway, Canada, United States and Akwesasne announced their signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to lay the foundation for future cooperation between the parties in respect to the environment of the St. Lawrence River.
“This agreement represents an important step in improving the relationship between these respective agencies and the Akwesasne community,” said St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief James W. Ransom. “Together, we will work to ensure that all uses of the river are considered when ice-breaking and other Seaway activities are planned,” he added.
The Akwesasne Mohawk Leadership has been meeting with representatives of the respective American and Canadian Seaway Administrative staff and other federal representatives for the past two years to resolve Mohawk concerns in regards to ice-breaking and early season navigation on the St. Lawrence River. These concerns centered on environmental and shoreline damage caused by ice-breaking activities as well as potential harm to fish habitat and disruption to spawning areas.
“It is our intention to establish a positive working relationship with the Seaway on a new footing that will benefit the environment of the river and the community of Akwesasne, said Ransom.
Ice Breaker Path
The MOU includes the following hilights: An agreement as to the scientific criteria to be applied annually in deciding upon the opening of the navigation season. Annual consultation between the Seaway and Akwesasne leadership on the opening date of the navigation season.Advance notice provided to the Akwesasne leadership of the opening date. Akwesasne representation on the ice breaker to personally observe icebreaking activities in the vicinity of Akwesasne. Joint funding in the undertaking of a three-year observational study of ice breakup in the vicinity of Akwesasne.
Limits to the length of the navigation season. Navigation season to end no later than January 10 and will not begin any earlier than March 15 except in the case of national emergencies. Any decisions to close later or start earlier will require an environmental assessment consistent with federal laws.
Cairn Island
The Akwesasne leadership wanted to commend everyone involved for creating the atmosphere for the MOU to occur. “This MOU came about because of the commitment of senior leadership within the Seaway to get this done. We applaud them for taking a hands-on approach and to their staff for their willingness to work with us to find a mutually beneficial solution,” said Chief Ransom.
“As well, we commend all of our staff for their role in getting this done. They represented the Akwesasne community in an exemplary manner and we are grateful for their contributions,” concluded Grand Chief Thompson.
