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Two members of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake transgress gathering rule
le jeudi 29 octobre 2020
Modifié à 12 h 28 min le 29 octobre 2020
Two chiefs from the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK), Nitsénhaienhs Harry Rice and Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, participated in a private gathering on October 25th against the rules on the territory, which is at a red alert level. The MCK publicly express its disappointment in a press release.
"The Council of Chiefs do not condone these actions. We, as leaders must set the example for others in the community”, it reads.
The MCK explains that Rice was present when the Kahnawake Mohawk Peacekeepers intervened, and received a fine for violating a Task Force Directive. As per Kahnwake News, the fine is $1,541.
Sky-Deer was not present when the authorities arrive, since the two chiefs didn’t attend at the same moment, according to Sky-Deer.
[caption id="attachment_93396" align="alignnone" width="444"]
Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. (photo: Archives)[/caption]
Sky-Deer and Rice both took responsibilities for their actions and apologized, which is acknowledged by the MCK.
Rice also stepped down as an MCK political representative on the Task Force and the Community Protection portfolio, effective immediately.
“I was one of those fines and would like to express my sincerest apologies to the Community, my family, friends, the Task Force and the Council table”, says Rice before announcing decision to step down “in order to maintain the integrity of the Task Force”.
On her side, Sky-Deer stated she attended the outdoor gathering “to be a drop in for the birthday party of a long time friend”.
She explains that she kept her distance, wore a facial covering and did not enter the house.
“I honestly did not believe I was doing anything wrong nor putting the community in danger with my presence”, she expresses adding that she should know clearly and well what the directives are from the Task Force and that she does not think she is above anyone in the community.
“I try to do my best in leading by example and I take my role on Council very seriously. However, I am human and there will be instances when I make mistakes. I hope you will not allow this incident to lose confidence in me or my ability to do the job”, she concludes.
Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. (photo: Archives)[/caption]
Sky-Deer and Rice both took responsibilities for their actions and apologized, which is acknowledged by the MCK.
Rice also stepped down as an MCK political representative on the Task Force and the Community Protection portfolio, effective immediately.
“I was one of those fines and would like to express my sincerest apologies to the Community, my family, friends, the Task Force and the Council table”, says Rice before announcing decision to step down “in order to maintain the integrity of the Task Force”.
On her side, Sky-Deer stated she attended the outdoor gathering “to be a drop in for the birthday party of a long time friend”.
She explains that she kept her distance, wore a facial covering and did not enter the house.
“I honestly did not believe I was doing anything wrong nor putting the community in danger with my presence”, she expresses adding that she should know clearly and well what the directives are from the Task Force and that she does not think she is above anyone in the community.
“I try to do my best in leading by example and I take my role on Council very seriously. However, I am human and there will be instances when I make mistakes. I hope you will not allow this incident to lose confidence in me or my ability to do the job”, she concludes.