MCK to begin delivering letters on Monday

01/27/2010

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that, on Monday (1, Enníska/February) it will begin delivering letters to approximately 25 people residing in Kahnawà:ke who are not entitled to do so, directing them to vacate the Territory. The letter, to be signed by all twelve Council Chiefs, is as follows:

“There have been numerous complaints regarding individuals contravening Mohawk law by residing in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke without a right to do so. You were identified in those complaints. As the date of the present letter, you are not listed as either a Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke or as a non-member resident on the Kahnawà:ke Kanien’kehá:ka Registry. As such, you have no right to reside in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke.

Therefore, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, along with the community of Kahnawà:ke, requires that you leave the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke within ten (10) days of receipt of the present letter. If you cannot meet this deadline, or can provide us with additional information, you must contact the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke immediately to make further arrangements.

We trust you understand the seriousness of this letter and that you will govern yourself accordingly.”

“Every single Kahnawà:ke Mohawk knows the law,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhrhon Delisle, Jr. “From the 1981 Moratorium, to the 1984 Mohawk Law on Membership and finally, the 2004 Kahnawà:ke Membership Law, the community has spoken on this issue – clearly and consistently. It is unfortunate that some people have chosen to disregard the community’s wishes. We have no other choice but to take this course of action.”