More on Akwesasne Mohawk Peace Caravan Protest

Mohawks Don't Want Border Guards with Guns--The Peace Caravan Protest

Image by trp0 via Flickr

Mohawks of the Akwesasne Reserve are protesting the arming of Canadian border guards inside their tribal lands, a sovereign territory.

They began a "Peace Caravan" Protest that was escorted by the Six Nations Police over the International Bridge to Kahwenoke, Cornwall Island. It is reported hundreds of backers showed up in support of the Akwesasne Mohawks in their dispute.

"Canada is reviving the old tactic of disinformation, intimidation and threats. We are in the right. We don't want guns! This is a time to negotiate from a position of strength, not fear or weakness. We can't have appeasers make deals behind our backs. If we start giving away piecemeal, eventually we will wind up with nothing," according to Mohawk spokespersons.

...Mohawks warned 18 months ago they would not stand for Canadian customs agents carrying 9 mm pistols at the only border post on reserve land.

Akwesasne's outgoing Grand Chief Tim Thompson has called Mr. Van Loan a liar for Ottawa's claim substantive talks were held on the gun issue. A sign at the border post calls Mr. Van Loan Public Enemy No. 1... Source: Globe and Mail

The Mohawk people and their numerous supporters should be applauded for standing up for peace, in the spirit of the Great Peacemaker and according to their constitution, the Kaianereh'ko:wa/Great Law.

Hopefully, Canadian officials will begin to respect the rights of a sovereign nation and a peaceful people.