Since the start of the gun issue at the border on Kawehno:ke, there have been many news articles and reports with incorrect or inaccurate information. We hope to clear some of it up here:

RUMOR: The bridge from Cornwall Island to the U.S. is closed. FACT: The south span bridge connecting the island to the U.S. has only closed in ONE direction. Vehicles can leave the island via that bridge but no vehicles can go to the island using that bridge except emergency vehicles.

RUMOR: Cornwall Island residents have no way of getting off the island. FACT: Vehicles have been able to leave the island in either direction, north or south, all along. However, they cannot return to the island from the U.S. as that bridge is closed to northbound traffic. Cars can leave the island and cross the north span bridge into Cornwall and Akwesasne traffic can also cross onto the island from Cornwall via the north span bridge. (Note: Island residents are still highly inconvenienced and isolated from the rest of Akwesasne due to the partial bridge closures.)

RUMOR: The protest is being lead by crazy warriors! FACT: The political side of the issue has been lead by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Those participating in the protest on Kawehno:ke come from all backgrounds, ages and represent all different entities at Akwesasne. “Warriors” might be present but they have remained peaceful along with the rest of the protestors.

RUMOR: There were 40 people at the protest site when the Customs officers walked off. FACT: There were more than 300 Mohawks at the site on Sunday night.

RUMOR: Protestors blocked the border, closing it. FACT: The border was closed after Customs officers closed the Customs building.

RUMOR: Information is not being shared with the public. FACT: Information is being shared with the Akwesasne community several times a day at regular briefings at the protest tent and via announcements on the radio. News media is also briefed at the foot of the north span bridge in Cornwall on a regular basis.

RUMOR: Travelers only need to reroute a few miles to the Dundee border crossing. FACT: While it may only take about 15 minutes to get from the Massena port of entry to the Dundee crossing from the U.S. side, it will take travelers about an hour and a half to drive from Cornwall to the Dundee border from the Canadian side.

RUMOR: Mohawks are unfairly targeting Canada Customs since border agents at the U.S. Customs already carry guns. FACT: The U.S. Customs port is not located on Mohawk land. Nor is the port located in a residential, populated area. Additionally, Mohawks have not filed numerous complaints of harassment against U.S. border agents as they have against Canada border agents.

RUMOR: Warriors are wearing scarves to hide their identities. FACT: Individuals wearing scarves may have been keeping warm as temperatures were frigid Sunday evening and night at the height of the protest. Indian Time noticed just one individual with a covered face and he gave his name when asked.

RUMOR: Border agents were threatened with violence and that’s why they left. FACT: There is no record of anyone threatening a border agent with physical violence throughout the gun battle. Border agents left as a precaution.