MCK supports People of Standing Rock in opposing Dakota Access Pipeline

09/07/2016

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced today that it has declared its support for the people of the Standing Rock reservation, and stand with them, in their opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline project. The statement is below:

“For too long, Governments and industry have ignored and brushed aside the voices of the Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. This project stands as another example of our interests and rights being disregarded in the name of exploitation and profits. This is not consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that the U.S. Government has endorsed.

Throughout Turtle Island, Indigenous People have always carried out their responsibility to safeguard their territories, peoples and cultures for future generations. We cannot allow public convenience and the economy to be used as justification for Government and industry to construct high risk projects that have the potential to destroy what we hold sacred. The people of Standing Rock are holding their responsibility to protect the environment seriously and are doing so for all peoples, not only their own. The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke commends these protectors and is taking actions to support them.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is fully aware of the unjust and escalating tensions and situation in Standing Rock. We have witnessed in recent days excessive tactics, including the use of dogs by the Dakota Access Pipeline against the people Standing Rock, alongside the atrocious bulldozing of their sacred sites and burial grounds. We stand together in unity and condemn the Dakota Access Pipeline for the vicious actions they have taken against our brothers and sisters.”

The MCK is currently participating in meetings of the Iroquois Caucus, which is preparing a collective statement on behalf of the elected Councils of Kahnawà:ke, Akwesasne, Kanesatake, Tyendinaga, Six Nations and the Oneidas of the Thames.