AKWESASNE MOHAWK COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2007-2008 #318

Whereas, the Mohawks of Akwesasne have the existing and inherent right of self determination, which includes the inherent Jurisdiction over their lands, peoples and territory; and,

Whereas, the Mohawks of Akwesasne have aboriginal and treaty rights, and other rights and freedoms that are recognized and affirmed in the Constitution of Canada, which include the inherent right of self-determination and Jurisdiction over their lands, peoples and territory; and,

Whereas, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is the Community government within the Territory of Akwesasne and has inherent Jurisdiction to make laws, regulations, and policies to meet the needs and concerns of the Mohawks of Akwesasne; and,

Whereas, the Mohawk Council intends to preserve the cultural, political and economic integrity of the Mohawk Territory and Community of Akwesasne, and,

Whereas, the. Canada Customs Border Services Agency (CBSA) Port of Entry is located on Kawehnoke at 90 Akwesasne International Road, Akwesasne, Ontario, K6H SR7; and

Whereas, this is the only Canadian Port of Entry situated on a First Nations Territory; and

Whereas, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has promoted a safe border crossing, whereby the CBSA has employed Mohawk Security Officers, at the Kawehnoke Port of Entry, through a positive working arrangement between the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the CBSA, which has produced a safe and secure environment at this facility for more than 2S years; and

Whereas, the CBSA has also had the benefit of reinforced security through the support of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, on an as-needed-basis, which is memorialized in a protocol agreement between the parties; and

Whereas, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Akwesasne Community are furious with the resolution of issues regarding the abuse of authority by certain CBSA officers, which have lead to voluminous community complaints asserting human rights violations, culminating with an intervention by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, which remains unresolved to this day; and

Whereas, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Akwesasne Community vehemently Oppose the arming of CBSA officers at this Port of Entry, due to the residential location of the Port of Entry and the lack of consultation with the Akwesasne Community and our various human rights issues; and

Whereas, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has consistently expressed its disapproval of the Canadian Government’s plan to arm CBSA officers at this particular Port of Entry (see attached position of the MCA); and

Whereas, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne believe that the safety, security and peace of mind of the Akwesasne Community will be in jeopardy, if arming of CBSA officers is allowed to occur; and

Therefore Be It Resolved That, the MCA condemns the arming of Canada Border Services Agency Officers at the Port of Entry at Kawehnoke; and

Therefore Be It Resolved That, MCA can not and will not allow for firearms to be carried by CBSA officers on the Territory of Akwesasne; and

Also Be It Resolved That, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne places a ban on the carrying of firearms by CBSA officers within the Akwesasne corridor; and

Further Be It Resolved That, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne demands that a consultation process or commission of inquiry be put into place immediately regarding the issue of arming CBSA officers; and

Finally Be It Resolved That, the Mohawk Council demands an emergency meeting with the Minister of Public Safety, other relevant Federal Ministers, and senior officials, with regard to this issue, no later than April 1, 2008.

Signed,

Timothy Thompson, Grand Chief

Chief

Wesley Benedict

Julie Phillips-Jacobs

Florence Phillips

Larry King

Connie Hall

Joe Lazore

Nona Benedict

A. Benedict

Cheryl Jacobs

Billy Sunday

John Adams