SOME MOHAWKS STAND AGAINST QUEBEC SEPARATION
The Canadian government has taken to mobilizing support from First Nations especially in Quebec, to oppose the independence movement of Quebec. Now the Mohawk government, recognized by the Canadian government, has taken a stand against Quebecois independence. Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake has written an open letter to Premier Lucien Bouchard of Quebec:
"Canada and Quebec cannot continue to deny the unique circumstances of our respective relationships. Quebec, as a country or province, cannot control Quebec/Mohawk relations by 'might is right' policies and laws.
"The Mohawk Nation Kahnawake is sovereign. The Mohawk Nation has a Constitution that pre-exists any European models. The Mohawk Nation has a homeland and a government. The territorial integrity of Mohawk lands is inviolable. Mohawk Nation economic, territorial, political and cultural jurisdiction is intact. Mohawk land has not been surrendered, sold or conquered."(1)
At the same time, the main newspaper at Kahnawake disagreed with the chief and thought it best to stay out of the white man's affairs. As unity is always a constant concern amongst the First Nations, the Eastern Door opined that "Sometimes it's better to stay silent."(1)
Inflaming the issue are some loud-mouth politicians who have threatened the Mohawks with military action to support Quebecois independence.
On the other hand, the Quebecois masses appear to have heard the message of the Crees within their borders. "Ninety percent of Quebec anglophones said Natives have a right to stay in Canada and 57 per cent of francophones agreed." The same survey purported to show that once the issue of the Crees is considered, the majority of Quebecois by a large margin do not want separation and do not want another referendum on the question.(2) If true, the Quebecois masses have done the right thing in recognizing the position of the First Nations.
NOTES:
1. Eastern Door Feb. 16, 1996, p. 2, 7.
2. Ibid., p. 6.