STATEMENT BY GRAND CHIEF SERGE OTSI SIMON OF THE MOHAWK COUNCIL OF KANESATAKE
Kanesatake, February 19th 2020 – After thoughtful reflection, after listening to criticism from my people and others, and after seeing how my recent remarks have been used by some, including in the media, in the service of trying to divide and conquer Indigenous Peoples across Canada, I humbly wish to retract my comments about whether it is time for the blockade to come down.
It is not my place to make such judgment. I leave it up to the people on the ground and Wet’suwet’en Nation leadership to make such calls. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the Indigenous people taking a stand to defend their rights, their land and the future of this planet and I would like to acknowledge as well the non-Indigenous allies all across Canada who have shown their support in this fight. I have had concerns about the potential consequences of such actions, but sometimes as a leader, you have to know when to lead and when to follow. I am now deciding to follow the people.
I will refrain from making further remarks on this matter. I apologize for any harm or confusion arising from my remarks and I fully support the Wet’suwet’en Nation and the people on the ground who are only looking to defend their land and their people, and in the process, are making a stand for a liveable planet for us all.
