[IPSM] Message from Concerned Kanehsatake Community Members

[ipsm at resist.ca]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 14:49:19 -0500
From: kanehsatake Indy Media <kanehsatake_indymedia at sympatico.ca>


PRESS RELEASE RE: SITUATION IN KANEHSATAKE!!!

James Gabriel and four of his fellow councilors from the Mohawk Council of
Kanehsatake , the Solicitor General's Office, and the Minister of Public
Security Jacques Changnon are forcing upon the residents and community of
Kanehsatake a un-ratified policing agreement.

The community of Kanehsatake has steadfastly opposed this forced and
illegal agreement, which endangers the lives of community members. On
January 12 2004 James Gabriel with the assistance of the Solicitor General
of Canada, Wayne Easter, attempted an invasion and coup of Kanehsatake. It
was made clear that the community of Kanehsatake wanted to be a full
partner in the maintenance and operation of its police force, this right
was denied and is continuing to be denied by the aforementioned parties.

At this moment the Canadian Federal and Quebec Provincial governments as
well as James Gabriel are threatening to enter and take over the community
of Kanehsatake with their newly created police force. This Police force
does not have the support of the community and the community is completely
opposed to its involvement in their affairs. In the past two members of
this force had been involved in acts of brutality, which left one man in a
wheel chair and the remainder of the community in fear (see Justice for
Joe David by the Collective Opposed to Police Brutality).

Kanehsatake are feeling tense and the situation is volatile. Despite
repeated efforts on the part of community members, the Kanehsatake Police
Commission, and the Kahnawake Peace Keepers to de-escalate the situation
the Canadian and Quebec governments and their provocateur James Gabriel
are continuing to push the community into a corner. The situation is
extremely volatile and dangerous. The Kahnawake Peace Keepers are on the
verge of leaving Kanehsatake and the community will be vulnerable to the
oppressive style of policing that Gabriel is infamous for in this
community.

The voices of Kanehsatake Community members must be heard and heeded in
order to peacefully resolve this crisis.

Concerned Kanehsatake Community Members
Information: Contact - 514 261 3256 / kanehsatake_indymedia at sympatico.ca