MCK Statement Regarding Olympic Torch Run

12/01/2009

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is offering its full and unanimous support of the upcoming Olympic Torch Relay, which is scheduled to pass through Kahnawà:ke on Tuesday, 8 Tsothóhrha/December.

Chief & Council are also pleased to acknowledge the work being done by Team Mohawk Spirit to coordinate the Olympic Torch Run through Kahnawà:ke next week.

Security will be provided by the Kahnawà:ke Peacekeepers, who will both escort and follow the runners. They will also be posted at various spots throughout the route. As per Olympic organizing committee protocols, RCMP will act as Torch escort runners.

The community’s participation honors not only our Olympians but athletes from around the world, whose passion and dedication will bring them to the absolute highest level of sport. Kahnawà:ke is proud to be among the communities selected to participate in the carrying of the Torch as it makes its way towards its finale destination – the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Through this event Kahnawà:ke is honored to pay tribute to athletic excellence by participating as a member of the global community. Additionally, this gives us a chance to display our hospitality to the world. Finally, it will also afford us an opportunity to address issues affecting our communities.

The Olympic co-hosts, Four Host First Nations, are from the Vancouver area and are currently in Kahnawà:ke to answer questions about the Olympics and the Torch relay.