MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE TO CONDUCT COMMUNITY PLEBISCITE ON CBSA RETURNING TO PORT OF ENTRY ON KAWEHNOKE
Kentenha/October 8, 2009
Akwesasne — The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne announced that it is continuing to take measures to resolve the community’s longstanding issues with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). These efforts include a unified effort by Akwesasne leadership in developing reasonable solutions to community concerns, as well as engaging and consulting with community members in regards to the customs facility located on Kawehnoke.
In previous negotiations between the Akwesasne Leadership Task Force and the CBSA, the border agency requested to return to the customs facility on Kawehnoke. In response to CBSA’s request, Akwesasne leaders have identified a process to obtain the voice of the Akwesasne community before any agreement is made with the CBSA. Within that process, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne will conduct a plebiscite to collect the opinion of community members that reside in Akwesasne’s northern districts—Kawehnoke, Kanatakon, and Tsi Snaihne.
The plebiscite is a mechanism for Akwesasne leaders to gauge the opinion of the community regarding the possible return of CBSA officers to Kawehnoke. It will be conducted for fourteen days, beginning on October 8th and ending on October 27th, and can be completed by Akwesasne Mohawks that are on the voter’s list, 18-years old or older, and reside in Akwesasne or within the City of Cornwall.
It will pose the following two questions to community members:
1.) Do you want the CBSA operations to return to the customs facility on Kawehnoke?
2.) If yes, should the CBSA employees be allowed to return to carry out their duties as armed officers at the customs facility located on Kawehnoke?
It will be conducted door-to-door and is open to all members of the Mohawks of Akwesasne. Individuals must be at home when the plebiscite in conducted. A note will be left on your door if you are not at home with instructions on how to arrange an alternate date.
The results of the plebiscite will be ratified by resolution on November 3rd at a Special Meeting of the Mohawk Council. The results will assist Akwesasne leaders in developing any agreement with the CBSA regarding the customs facility on Kawehnoke.
Community members are asked to keep the plebiscite in mind and to keep animals tied-up while plebiscite officers canvass the community during the next few weeks. Plebiscite officers will be carrying identification issued by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
If you would like more information, please contact the Chief Plebiscite Officer at 613) 575-2250 (ext. 2400).
