Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

(Kahnawà:ke, Kenténha/October 31,2017) In wake of the recent tragedies Kahnawà:ke, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced to their community that a Special Women’s Meeting has been organized by community members. Their goal is to address the recent tragic events in Kahnawà:ke. MCK strongly supports this initiative and they are distributing this information in the public interest.

The Special Women’s meeting will take place on Wednesday evening at the Golden Age Club at 6:30pm, inviting all Kahnawà:ke women to attend.

On October 28, 2017, at approximately 3:00am a vehicle struck a guardrail and abutment in the area of the creek on Veterans Boulevard. There were six occupants in the vehicle.

At this time, it is confirmed that two (2) local males, aged 21 and 17, died at the scene, and three female occupants were transported to hospital with various injuries, one of whom is in critical condition.

On Sunday, October 29, MKC released an update on the victims.

Victim #1 – an 18-year-old female from Chateauguay remains in critical condition with severe head and neck, and other injuries. Though heavily sedated, she is responsive.

Victim #2 – an 18-year-old female from Chateauguay remains in intensive care at the Montreal General Hospital with a fractured spine, internal injuries, and will require additional surgery.

Victim #3 – a 19-year-old female from Chateauguay, sustained a fractured arm, cuts, and bruises.

Out of respect for the victims’ privacy, the Kahnawake Peacekeepers will not be releasing the names of those who were injured.

The Kahnawake Peacekeepers are leading the investigation with the assistance of

the Surete du Quebec for their technical expertise in accident reconstruction.

The 22-year-old driver involved in this weekend’s fatal accident was arraigned in Longueuil court on Monday, October 30, 2017, Anthony Robertson of Kahnawà:ke was formally charged with the following:

• Two (2) counts of impaired driving causing death

• Three (3) counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm

• Two (2) counts of negligence causing death

• Three (3) counts of negligence causing bodily harm

• Two (2) counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death

• Three (3) counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm

• Two (2) counts of failure to stay at the scene of an accident involving death

• Three (3) counts of failure to stay at the scene of an accident involving bodily harm

• Two (2) counts of breach of a recognizance for an unrelated offense

The suspect remains in custody at this time and is expected to appear for a bail hearing at a later date.

At this time, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke would like to offer its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the young persons who lost their lives in the horrible accident that took place in Kahnawà:ke.

“The community has been dealing with a series of tragedies, and these tragedies affect everyone,” said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “Every single person in Kahnawà:ke is touched, from individuals and families, to first responders and others who offer support and intervention services in these situations.”

“In these times of heavy grief, we encourage all Kahnawa’kehrò:non to find ways to come together, and to support each other through this difficult time,” he added.

“Additionally, we are asking the media to respect the privacy of family members who are directly affected,” he concluded. “The community needs space to grieve and to find a means to bear this tremendous burden that has been placed upon us.”