The St. Regis Mohawk tribe’s environmental division has produced a report called Integrated Resource Management Plan ,. This is a report on the natural resources of Akwesasne.

It is important for Akwesasronon to know and understand their territory and our natural resources.

The installment this week is on Water Resources.

ISSUES AND CONCERNS

• There is a concern about the quality of the water.

• There is a concern about the lack of river recreation use by the community.

• there is a concern about the quality of water due to contamination.

DESCRIPTION OF WATER RESOURCES

The Akwesasne community consists of 1 major river and 2 tributaries: St. Lawrence River, St. Regis River and Raquette River.

The section of the St. Lawrence that flows through Akwesasne is considered a fluvial segment, which I characterized as a slow-moving, alkaline freshwater ecosystem with a large flood plain with sedimentation from many tributaries, resulting in marshes and wet meadows.

Populated by various species of wildlife most common are mollusks, crustaceans, fish, waterfowl and mammals.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

The spirit of the waters quench the thirst and provides strength to all of the living, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that it remains pure and plentiful for the generations to come. The responsibility of protecting our waters from the industrial pollution, developmental pollutants, and waste lies within our hands. Being mindful of our actions and taking proper precautions when building, farming, and developing, will ensure that the waters continue their responsibility in the cycle.