On Wednesday, January 13, 2016, Indian Time received word from a HAVFD fireman that, “The Tribe signed a deal w/ Seaway Valley to provide Ambulance service to the US portion of the rez”.

This information prompted a phone call to Brendan White, Director of Communications at the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. Mr. White graciously said he would call back with the information needed. Mr. White did indeed call back later in the afternoon, with the CEO Tsiorasa Barreiro with him to answer questions I had surrounding the issue of ambulance service in Akwesasne. Mr. White informed me that he would put his phone on speaker mode, so that Mr. Barreiro and himself could engage in this conversation with me.

It was during this conversation that Mr. Mr. Barreiro confirmed the Tribe no longer had a signed contract with MCA and AMA and that indeed, Seaway Valley Ambulance Service would be servicing calls to community residents of Akwesasne who live on the southern portion. It was in this call, that Mr. Barreiro stated the Tribe would receive better service, more highly qualified personnel and responders who are certified in Advanced Life Support. It was stated in this phone call by Mr. Barreiro that MCA is a vendor and we are not happy with the service they are providing. It was also stated in this conversation that the Tribe had been trying to contact MCA, but MCA had not answered or returned any calls or messages in regards to renewing a contract since June of 2015. It was also in this phone conversation that Mr. Barrerio said the Tribe had to answer to comments and requests made by their community members in their monthly meetings in regards to providing better ambulance service. Finally, it was said, it all comes down to numbers and money.

Indian Time wrote an article to this affect, informing community members of the change in vital and often life saving service. Contrary to the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s press release dated January 20, 2016, the information was presented in a timely manner and our information was confirmed by their Executive Director, Mr. Barrerio and witnessed by Brendan White and staff members at Indian Time. Unfortunately, Mr. Barreiro failed to mention MCA had answered calls and emails and they in fact left many unanswered call themselves.

Also, contrary to statements made by the Nurse Practitioner Bev Cook during the Friday, January 22, 2016 meeting at the Seniors Building, all information printed was confirmed and substantiated in a number of phone interviews that include; Mr. Barreiro; SRMT; Mr. Brendan White, SRMT; Mr. Brown, SVAS; the HAVFD and MCA.

Kaniehtonkie