Statement Of Solidarity With The Mohawks of Akwesasane

The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty offers our full support, solidarity and respect to the actions taken by the community of Akwesasne which have prevented the Canadian Border Services Agency from arming its officers on their land.

We recognize that the CBSA and all Government agencies are foreign occupying agents in Akwesasne and violate by their very presence the sovereignty of the Mohawk Nation. We also recognize that whether they are patrolling the border, detaining individuals or carrying out deportations the CBSA agents are the individuals who are destroying families and enforcing the unjust policies of an unjust government.

Given the illegitimate presence of the officers on the territory and the historically antagonistic actions taken against the Mohawk people by both Canadian and American government agents it is clear that there is no security to be gained by arming these officers. In fact putting guns in their hands will lay the foundation for future tragedy to unfold and will likely lead to increased tensions and violence in the community.

We wish to extend any support we can offer, including our most heartfelt solidarity to the Mohawks of Akwesasne and all of their demands and we call upon the Canadian government to immediately stop any plans to arm CBSA agents on Mohawk Territory.