Customs Exemption for Akwesasne Rejected

Justice Anne Mactavish has rejected the request by Akwesasne to be exempt from reporting to the temporary port of entry at Cornwall, Ontario. For 3 days this month, a hearing was held in Montreal concerning this request.

A temporary relief from reporting to the port was being sought. There have been over 60 vehicles that had been seized by CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) for failure to report prior to returning to their homes on Kawennoke. The cost for each seized vehicle is $1000.

There have been many long lineups on the bridge and most onkwehonwe feel that they are coming from one sector of  the territory and are just going home. In order to get to the medical clinic in Kanatakon one must travel south to the US port of entry at Rooseveltown.

The territory of Akwesasne encompasses the province of Quebec, the province of Ontario and New York state.

There is a judicial review of the decision to close the permanent port of entry (POE) on Mohawk land by CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency), Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan and Minister of Transport John Baird. Hopefully, this will be completed early in the new year.

The Akwesasne Peoples Fire is still maintaining it's vigil at the 4 corners of Kawennoke. We are waiting for the final outcome of the CBSA Akwesasne issue.

NEWS FROM THIS WEEK

Friday, December 18, 2009 was the last day for this year for the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Hearing. The case is Davis vs Canada Border Services Agency. Disclosure by the respondent must be in by January 15, 2010.

The Tribunal will be back in session in March 2010.

A fifty-fifty draw was held at the new building to help defray the cost of the building and to purchase new chains for the chain saws.

A young man from the territory won the raffle. His parents were quite pleased as the ticket was purchased by his grandfather. Congratulations to all and nia:wenkowa to all who participated in this event.

A shelter surrounding the fire is also being built to protect the firekeepers when tending the fire. It will also protect the fire when the elements are wild. Thanks to all who are building this shelter.

NEWS FROM THIS WEEK

A number of the Akwesasne Peoples Fire have been attending the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that is being held in Cornwall, Ontario. The case is Davis versus Canada Border Services Agency. This is the end of the hearing for this year. There will be two more weeks in March.

The days at the hearing are long and tedious at times as the respondent's representatiive tries to discredit the complainant's witnesses. It is impressive to see these women and their ability to challenge the Canadian Federal Government. They have had to do their own investigating and preparing of their documents. Thank you for your persistence in your quest for justice and a change in the future relationship with Canada Border Services Agency.

SEASONS GREETINGS

In the spirit of the season and the inclimate weather conditions, a small group of us decided to remove the canned goods from our storage building. It was getting too cold and we were fearful that the goods would freeze. We managed to assist seven families with some canned goods from the Akwesasne Peoples Fire.

We wish everyone a happy holiday and hope that everyone has a Happy New Year.