Note: The following letter was written to the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder.

Letter to the Editor,

I am responding to an opinion piece that ran in the Wednesday June 17th edition of the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder, titled: “Natives Wrong: Hillier.” It was a disturbing piece submitted by Randy Hillier, MPP PC for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox, which required a Mohawk response and, unfortunately, a great deal of clarification.

Regarding the arming of Customs officers at Akwesasne, MPP Hillier says, “The Canadian government took a position to better the country.  It’s not a threat or danger to anybody.”

The Mohawks firmly disagree on this point.  Years of racial profiling and abusive behavior by several of the Customs Officers at this port of entry has made this a serious concern and issue for the Mohawks of Akwesasne. Considering the volumes of complaints that have been filed against individual border guards, this Port of Entry has become a direct threat to our basic human rights.

During the past few weeks, the Akwesasne community has attempted to convey the seriousness of just a few of the complaints. Perhaps we need to put them into another context, such as “someone comes into your house uninvited, knocks your grandmother to the ground, physically abuses your younger brother, and forces your wife to pass through a high-intensity x-ray machine (not once, but twice). Then, that abuser comes back with a gun. Now, wouldn’t you be scared for your own personal safety?”

Putting our complaints temporarily aside, the Mohawks have many constructive proposals to present to the Canadian government on how to resolve the current issue. Thus far, the federal government has not agreed to have a formal meeting to discuss how to re-open the border. They’ve only issued the ultimatum through the media that we must accept the arming of border guards on Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. This kind of political hard ball and posturing is no good for anyone, certainly not for neighbors and the surrounding businesses that have been feeling the economic impact.

“Hillier also added that the Mohawks only arrived in Canada after the American War of Independence and were granted reserves.”  Sorry to say Hillier, but this is a far cry from reality and any elementary teacher could tell you differently.  For that I say, it’s unfortunate when someone drops out of high school, but is there such a thing as an elementary school dropout?

It’s well documented through archeological evidence that the St. Lawrence River Valley is traditional Mohawk Territory.  It has been the territory of the Mohawks, its ancestors and predecessors for more than ten thousand years.  In fact, our people’s presence goes back at least to the last glacial period. We have been here since time immemorial. Anyone in the region can visit archaeological villages and other sites that clearly demonstrate a continual aboriginal presence well before European contact.

By the way, Canada itself was only formed in 1867, so it wasn’t even known as “Canada” at the end of the American Revolutionary War. In case you didn’t know, that war took place between Great Britain and the thirteen American colonies, which later became known as the United States. At the conclusion of that war, through the Treaty of Paris in 1783, it placed the international border through the middle of Akwesasne. Hillier is clearly on a misguided and misinformed campaign trail. He’s bold and boisterous and ready to provoke a debate or argument with anyone on any issue, even if he is clearly wrong.

Out of respect for ongoing efforts to re-open the border crossing, Hillier should let those who know their own history do the talking.

Brendan White

Communications Officer,

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne