Letters of Violation of Mohawk Law issued to persons residing illegally in Kahnawake

06/20/2016

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that letters of “Violation of Mohawk Law – Non-Entitlement to Reside in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke” have been or are currently being delivered by bailiff to twenty (20) persons who are presumed to be residing illegally in the Territory.

The letters, signed by Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton on behalf of the MCK on 16, Ohiarí:ha/June 2016, ask that recipients respect the laws in the community and the will of the people by vacating the Territory or to otherwise provide proof of residency outside of Kahnawà:ke.

“We recently passed the 35th anniversary of the Moratorium and the community has not changed its position on the law,” said Membership Portfolio Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. “These letters have been issued as a result of complaints from community members about non-Indigenous persons residing illegally on our land.”

“We can report that approximately forty (40) persons illegally living on the Territory have left since the practice of issuing notices was reinstituted in 2010,” she added. “While there are obviously still people who choose to defy the will of the people, we appreciate and commend the vast majority who have respected the law and our community by not living on our Territory.”

The MCK reminds the community to please remain respectful, peaceful and patient on this issue.