Mohawk Council of Kanesatake Press release For immediate release

Notice to Quebec’s General Population – In an effort to encourage social distancing and protect Kanesatake’s population during the COVID19 outbreak, NO tobacco, cannabis or alcohol products will be sold on the territory until further notice. 

The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) wishes to inform the general public that ALL the STORES selling either Tobacco, cannabis and alcohol in the community HAVE CLOSED since midnight on Monday March 24th 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

This community decision, which is supported by store operators, has been made in an effort to protect our population. It is important to state that our community, as I’m sure many indigenous communities in Canada is considered ‘at risk’ due to the fact that a larger than normal proportion, if not most, of our members suffer from pre-existing conditions such as : respiratory problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancer. 

We call upon our members and all Canadians to respect this directive, to limit, or better yet, refrain from travel to our community and elsewhere and ultimately to STAY HOME. The faster everyone accepts this new reality, the faster we can all return to our normal lives again. 

Nia:wen ko:wa, Grand Chief Serge Otsi Simon