Akwesasne Chief pledges peace

While Mohawks are frustrated at the stalemate that's closed the Massena-Cornwall bridge, they are committed to a peaceful resolution, says one of their Chiefs.

Six peace fires are burning around the clock near the Canadian Customs building that Canadian border officers abandoned on June 1st, says a letter from Chief Howard “Iothore” Thompson of Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs.

The Canadian government's decision to put firearms in the hands of its border officers triggered the action. Chief Thompson said that while armed guards inspire fear in tribal members, Mohawks are determined not to respond in kind.

"It is the reason we seek a non-violent solution and maintain vigil at the peace fires," he wrote.

Following is the full text of Chief Thompson's letter:

Peace - First on Akwesasne’s Mind

The Mohawk community of Akwesasne has remained vigil and peaceful since
the border crossing on our traditional territory was closed more than two
weeks ago. Since then, our community has kept Six Peace Fires near the
Canadian Customs Port of Entry on Kawehnoke (Cornwall Island). Our
community maintains the Peace Fires and continues to seek a peaceful
resolution to the bridge closure.

The border has been closed since June 1st, when Canada’s Customs Officers
walked off the job and abandoned their post. It triggered the closure of
this international crossing by the U.S. border agency and Cornwall Police.
It was a direct result of Canada Custom’s failure to listen to the
Akwesasne community’s vigorous and peaceable objection to the planned
arming of Customs Officers.

Trouble at this border crossing started a few years ago when border guards
became aggressive and began intimidating our people.  They focused much of
their abuse on our youth; but our elders, women and children also
suffered. The thought of arming these aggressive border guards causes much
fear in the Akwesasne community, but we will not respond in the same
manner. It is the reason why we seek a non-violent solution and remain
vigil at the peace fires.

Old and young gather around the peace fires and at the tent next to the
Customs facility.   Our young play the ancient game of lacrosse on the
lawn.  Elders sit around the fires and share wisdom gained through years
of experience. Women prepare food and feed all those who come to keep
vigil. And, men chosen by our clanmothers are keeping the peace.

The Peace Fires are kept burning around the clock.  They are called “Peace
Fires” by the community and they chose “six” for the Six Nations Iroquois,
the ancient Confederacy of Nations of which the Akwesasne Community
belongs. Prayers for peace are said every morning. Wood and sacred tobacco
is given to flames that long for peace.

Ernest Kanientaronkwen Benedict, is a 91 year old elder and resident who
says that it is the Akwesasne community’s true belief that peaceful and
direct talks between leaders are the key to resolving difficult
situations. It is an act of diplomacy that our people are well versed in
and have practiced since the founding of the Confederacy. It is a legacy
of peace.

This is the protocol we use for a friendly first meeting with our
neighbors or visitors to our territory. We give words of peace to our
guests in a special welcoming ceremony, where we clear grief and unclear
thinking from their minds.

At Akwesasne, we all urge the Minister of Public Safety to display clear
thinking and be willing to talk to Akwesasne leaders.

The pursuit of peace is often a long process, but as we take this journey
we can look to our proud Mohawk identity and traditions to help guide our
way.

Chief Howard “Iothore” Thompson
of Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs