Akwesasne Mohawks criticized the unilateral decision by the Canadian government to reopen the the Massena-Cornwall Bridge on Monday, calling it "a hasty decision" by the Canadian Border Services Agency.
"While we're glad to see a temporary facility open, we want to remind everyone that there are some outstanding issues that need to be addressed," said Grand Chief Mike Mitchell in a statement.
His concerns were echoed by tribe members maintaining the 24-hour "peace fire" next to the closed border station on Cornwall Island.
"It's kind of undermining the negotiations," said Rakiatotakie, a Cornwall Island resident. "Our negotiations were going on with our Grand Chief and the Canadians, it seems kind of bizarre for this to occur without his knowledge."
The statement from Grand Chief Mitchell didn't indicate if he had advance word of the bridge being reopened.
However, Mitchell indicated he knew the reasons:
- An increased number of travelers being allowed to cross from the U.S. into Canada
- Word that New York State Police intended to pull up stakes at the foot of the south span, where they had been stationed since May 31st, turning away traffic.
- U.S. officials in Washington voicing concerns that the CBSA had not settled the situation.
At a meeting in Ottawa last week, the Mohawks and the CBSA concluded that Canadian officers would not be returning to Cornwall Island, Mitchell said.
"The opening of an interim customs facility on the Cornwall side of the bridge crossing was their response to allow border traffic to resume," Mitchell said.
Rakiatotakie suggested the issue of Canadian officers on sovereign Mohawk territory could resurface, even at the temporary checkpoint.
Mohawk territory extends another 14-15 miles inland, he said, and the Canadians should take their border station there.
"No point in hitting this down the road again," he said. "They should do their homework and get it right the first time."
