Akwesasne Mohawk Leaders Meet With U.S. Port Entry Supervisor In Response To Seizure Threats
Ohiarihko:wa/July 17, 2009AKWESASNE - This afternoon, Akwesasne leaders submitted a letter to Canada Border Services President Stephen Rigby inviting the agency to be apart of a process that initiates dialogue and identifies short and long-term solutions. They've noted that the problem that Akwesasne continues to experience is the result of both sides identifying a number of issues that have to be addressed, but no process to resolve them.
Akwesasne leaders feel that the process of rebuilding a tarnished relationship is being hampered by the requirement issued by the CBSA to have local resident travel to the City of Cornwall to report. This is creating an inconvenience and hardship for local residents traveling home or attending a community event on Kawehnoke (Cornwall Island).
According to Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Michael Mitchell, "If the CBSA wants Akwesasne to think better of Canada Customs Officials they certainly have taken the wrong path to achieve this." In response to the difficulty it has placed on community members and their compliance, the Grand Chief added, "CBSA Officials estimate that approximately 30% of the community has not complied." The Grand Chief estimates that it is most likely 50% to 60% of local residents that choose not to comply.
Akwesasne leaders have been meeting throughout the past week to discuss CBSA's reporting requirement and efforts to accommodate the community's needs. As a result, MCA Grand Chief Mitchell and St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief James Ransom met with U.S. Port of Entry (Rooseveltown) Supervisor Bob Stevenson to discuss reports that information was being recorded and shared with the CBSA.
U.S Customs Officials stated that no information is being sent to the CBSA. The temporary arrangement that U.S. Customs had with the CBSA was temporary and ended with the removal of the barricades at the foot of the South Span on Monday, July 13th. This information was in response to reports that local residents were threatened with seizures and other enforcement actions by the CBSA.
