Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

On April l7, 2012 the Board of Directors of the Akwesasne Communication Society (ACS) and CKON received a letter dated February 15, 2012 from certain residents of Akwesasne. These residents attempted to terminate the whole Board of Directors for a variety of reasons, which are without merit.

The current Board of Directors of ACS are:

Jerry Cook, President

Julia Back Skidders

Cecelia Francis

William Phillips

Andy Cook

Sandra Hodges

Alice Thompson

Isabelle M cDona1d

On May 15, 20l2 the Board of Directors of ACS received a letter signed by eight Akwesasne residents, who attempted to terminate the whole Board of Directors of ACS for a variety of reasons, which are also without merit. These individuals called themselves the “Community of Akwesasne/Akwesasne Communication Society Interim Board Members” (“Interim Board”).

The members of this group are:

Lloyd Benedict, Spokesperson

Jolene Jackson

Charlene David

Madeline Durant (Peters)

Phyllis Point

Rose Oakes

David Oakes

Johanne Jackson

Some of the Interim Board members attended the Bank of Montreal (BMO) and demanded that

BMO transfer signing authority on the ACS/CKON`s bank accounts to the Interim Board. BMO did not transfer signing authority to the Interim Board and froze the ACS/CKON bank accounts. There is a substantial amount of money (approximately $750,000) in the ACS/CKON bank accounts. The Board of Directors of ACS has a duty to ensure that the best interests of ACS and CKON are protected. The Board of Directors of ACS advised BMO that they will not authorize the transfer of signing authority on the bank accounts to the Interim Board. The bank accounts at BMO remain frozen.

The Board of Directors of ACS held a general meeting on June 27, 2012 to inform the community of the ACS/CKON activities and financial status. In light of the fact that Akwesasne’s population is over 10,000, attendance at the meeting was poor and overall unproductive. Copies of the financial statements were also provided to the people who attended the meeting. ACS accountant Barbara Montour, of BDO Canada, attended the meeting and described how the money was spent by ACS and CKON for charitable purposes and to maintain daily operations.

The Board of Directors of ACS and CKON have been open and transparent regarding the financial status and daily operations of ACS and CKON, especially throughout the dispute with Lloyd Benedict and his people.