[IPSM] Kanehsatake condemns closure of Ratihen:te High School and... again faces stalled elections

[hhazel at gmail.com]

Kanehsatake condemns closure of Ratihen:te High School and... again
faces stalled elections

    MONTREAL, April 15 /CNW Telbec/ - "I can understand the residents of
Kanehsatake being outraged over the recent announcement regarding the closure
of one of this country's most successful native schools. This action is
deplorable and unacceptable! Our high school is recognized as one of the best
native schools in Canada", said Steven Bonspille, speaking on behalf several
community members.
    The closure of the Ratihen:te High School was announced this week in a
statement release by the third party management corporation Price Waterhouse
Coopers. "The way this action was executed was cowardly and completely
irresponsible, sending an unsigned letter to our community members informing
them of the closure is unprofessional and unacceptable. Where are the so-
called leaders of this community ? What are they doing to save our school or
at least trying to make alternative arrangements to relocate the school within
Kanehsatake ? The closure is one more action aimed at stealing our identity as
Mohawk People. We need to discuss this issue with the community and try to
resolve it as quickly as possible before we lose another part of our culture,
heritage and future", said Bonspille.

    Elections ?

    As we learn of the planned closure of our high school, James Gabriel and
the illegitimate Council are spending more money on legal fees, asking for an
injunction against the Watch Team. "Are they now going to use that as a new
argument to postpone the elections yet again ? I hope not", said Steven
Bonspille.
    It's outrageous to hear of the school because of lack of money when we
see cash being spent hand over fist: $3,000 per week for a lavish hotel room,
$17,000 per month for "National" Public Relations firm, $83,400 per month for
Price Waterhouse Coopers, $26,000 per week for the police hotel
accommodations, etc...
    The Mohawks of Kanehsatake deserve a new and honest Council, duly elected
in a free and democratic process. "I will just reiterate my strong belief in a
non-partisan process, that is why I support the choice of Angus Montour as the
sole electoral officer and the AFNQL providing an oversight committee and
observers. James Gabriel should not be attempting to appoint the electoral
staff, nor controlling the process unless he intends not to be a candidate ?",
said Bonspille.



For further information: Steven L. Bonspille, (450) 479-1157 or 
(514) 971-6046