Press release For immediate release
As Grand Chief and on behalf of the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake, I wish to issue the following statement in regards to the recent checkpoints, that were set-up by Kanesatake’s Emergency Response Unit (ERU), at Oka Park’s two (2) entrances in response to Quebec’s unilateral decision to reopen the Park on May 20th 2020.
The Kanesatake Emergency Response Unit, a non-political operational committee established by the Mohawk Band Council Resolution of March 23rd 2020 and for the protection of the Kanesatake Mohawk Community during the COVID-19 pandemic, met on May 18th 2020 with Oka park officials. The meeting was set-up to discuss the eventual opening of the park, what measures they were to take in regards to health and safety protocols, as well as potential access by visitors to the Oka village and Kanesatake.
On May 20th 2020 we noticed that the main gate of the park was wide open, despite the assurance that only the gate at the end of the 640 highway would the one open in order to ensure that people did not go through Oka for the time being.
That same morning, the E.R.U. set up dissuasion points at the two entrances and asked for my intervention at the political level for the lack of consultation, with regards to their decision, despite the E.R.U.’s fears toward the potential health impacts this would have on our community.
On May 25th 2020, discussions with the vice premiere’s office, regional health authority, public security and SEPAC, with myself and at my invitation, members of the E.R.U., were organised to help inform the Government about operations on the ground, as well as ongoing concerns.
These are the concerns the E.R.U. brought to the Government’s attention: – The Quebec government, and their health authorities, believe that while the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic may be over. The ERU, based on the feedback and direction from our community strive to protect the health and safety of our members, especially our most vulnerable, thus opting for a more cautious approach. – The ERU believes that the opening of the tourism and economic activities of individual local businesses could potentially fuel a second wave. – The ERU stressed that, other than a concentrated, orchestrated effort, they believe that good luck played a huge part in Kanesatake avoiding the first wave. – While the ERU would hope that the good luck continues, they are not willing to put their faith in only that. To avoid a second wave, the ERU believes that they must keep controlled access to Kanesatake for the benefit of all.
Subsequently, the adoption of the contingency plan previously proposed for Oka Park was agreed upon by both parties and their representatives.
The framework, which was presented to Oka Park officials on May 18th included: 1- That the Park open to only 50% of capacity, (4000);
2- That the entrance in front of the SQ Station near Oka village be closed, (to keep possibly infected individuals visiting the Park farther away from the community of Kanesatake and our elders); 3- That the preferred access to the Park be limited to the entrance directly off of the 640; 4- That only visitors from the local areas around the lower Laurentians be permitted access; 5- Tell visitors to the Park that access to Kanesatake was restricted; 6- Block bike paths leading to Oka from the Oka Park; 7- Advise those who are coming to Oka Park that they must remain confined to the Park during their stay; 8- Assure that the toilets located in Oka Park will be rigorously cleaned and disinfected after each use.
It is important to state that on May 25th’s meeting, the Quebec representatives were understanding. That the position and demands of the ERU would be respected. That the health and wellbeing of our community, of our elders, would take precedence over the Province’s previous order to open Oka Park according to standard provincial guidelines.
As such, the ERU formally advised the Quebec government officials of our intention to remove the blockades, effective immediately upon reception of their acceptance and instatement of the fore-mentioned contingency plan, scheduled for May 27th 2020.
We believe that this bilateral show of good faith by both the ERU and the Quebec government is in the best interests of the Mohawk population of Kanesatake, Oka and surrounding areas.
Further, we requested a commitment that a forum to address the multiple concerns that require our approach to be different from that of your government, be established.
This forum would allow the Kanesatake Mohawk Council and the Quebec Government to work together to address areas of utmost importance, such as health, security, social services and education.
To the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake and the ERU, the respect of our cultural values in the approach of a solution for the COVID-19 pandemic remains a priority.
The MCK would like to thank the Quebec Government for making the accommodations through understanding and compassion. For laying the foundations for respectful dialogue. We would also like to thank the regional health authority, public security, vice-premier’s office as well as SÉPAQ representatives for their understanding of the importance of the issues that Kanesatake faces. We must also thank the SQ for the same reasons but also for their patience during this affair.
In peace and friendship,
Grand Chief Serge Otsi Simon
