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June 29, 2009

Mohawks elect new leader amid border standoff

By DENISE A. RAYMO

AKWESASNE — A former grand chief of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne was returned to office Saturday, amid a standoff over closure of the Seaway International Bridge.

Mike Mitchell defeated incumbent Grand Chief Tim Thompson 385 to 334 for the highest office on the Canadian side of tribal government, with challenger Ronald Sunday earning 95 votes.

Mitchell had previously served as grand chief for 18 years and was encouraged to run by community elders, according to the Cornwall Standard Freeholder.

He is to be sworn into office on Monday, July 6.

Mitchell could not be reached Monday for comment, but Thompson said he has "accepted the results of the election and have nothing to be ashamed of. In my three years, I helped bring $50 million into the community, so I am proud and hold my head up and feel I did my best."

Thompson said that as a private citizen he will continue his opposition to the introduction of Canadian customs agents carrying guns.

He said Mitchell brings a wealth of experience to the job and that he has an excellent council to work with on all issues concerning the Mohawk community.

Wednesday will mark the one-month mark in a stalemate over the international-bridge system between the United States, the St. Regis Mohawk territory and Canada.

The Canadian customs house on Cornwall Island was closed by Canada Border Service Agency officials at midnight May 31, just as it intended to begin arming agents serving there.

The Mohawks don't want agents to be armed and have rallied in opposition.

The bridge between the countries is closed except for emergency vehicles, but Akwesasne residents are able to travel from Cornwall Island into Canada. However, if island residents come to New York, they are not allowed to return.

Businesses on both sides of the bridge have complained about the loss of revenue due to the closure.

Indians supporting Akwesasne's position will make a 300-mile trek across Canada to Cornwall beginning today to show their unity.

About 200 vehicles and four busloads of people from Six Nations, two contiguous reservations south of Hamilton, Ontario, plan to begin their journey from the western side of Toronto at 7 a.m., under police escort.

The Peace Caravan is expected to arrive at Akwesasne about 3 p.m. today, where a friendship ceremony will be held, followed on Wednesday by community socials and motivational speakers near the customs house.

E-mail Denise A. Raymo at: draymo@pressrepublican.com

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