[news] Tyendinaga Community Braces for visit from Gabriel

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-------- Original Message --------
From: OCAP <ocap at tao.ca>


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tyendinaga community braces for visit from Kanehsatake former Chief James
Gabriel

Mohawk Council House
(otherwise known as the Mohawk Community Centre)
York Road
Tyendinaga
Mohawk Nation Territory

Tyendinaga community members are outraged to learn that James Gabriel is
planning to attend a meeting dealing with matters of Mohawk Nation
policing and security this Friday, February 20th, 2004.

The controversy and turmoil that surrounds James Gabriel is ongoing and
unresolved.  We are offended and dismayed that he should choose, even by
the anticipation of his presence, to bring this anger and instability into
our community.

Gabriel has been legally and legitimately deposed of as Chief by the
people of Kanehsatake.  Tyendinaga will respect the will of the people of
Kanehsatake who have said so clearly that James Gabriel no longer has a
voice with which to represent them.

James Gabriel, who has reportedly hired a P.R. consulting firm, in a vain
attempt to resuscitate his failed political career, apparently wants to
use the community of Tyendinaga has a backdrop to present himself as
something other than the ousted and illegitimate Chief he is.  Community
members are offended that he should try to use us in such a way and refuse
to be used as a backdrop for this man's personal gain against the will and
decision of the people of Kanehsatake.

Community members are gathering tonight, setting up a vigil and fire
across from the Meeting House and will prepare for Gabriel's arrival.

Please see the attached document for further and more comprehensive
information or phone (613) 968-3305.
_____________________________________________________________________________


February 19, 2004

Mr. Larry Hay
Tyendinaga Peacekeeping Services
Mohawk Nation Territory,
K0K-1X0

Dear Chief Hay,

Re. Proposed meeting of Nation Peacekeepers and Elected Representatives

A great deal of concern has been expressed throughout our community
regarding the February 20th scheduled gathering.

It is my understanding that the former Chief of Kanehsatake, James
Gabriel, has in-fact confirmed his attendance at this meeting.  A Montreal
paper quotes Mr. Gabriel as saying he will be attending a meeting of all
Mohawk Chiefs on Mohawk Lands as representative Chief to Kanehsatake.

As you are aware, the political turmoil that surrounds this man is on
going and unresolved.  It is believed by members of our community and
confirmed by runners who attended the recent disruption in Kanehsatake,
that James Gabriel is no longer speaking for his people and has been
deposed/dehorned through an appropriate and legal process sanctioned
through the community of Kanehsatake.

An emergency meeting was held to discuss the situation and the following
decisions were reached.

- The issue of Mohawk National Security and Community Peacekeeping is an
issue of concern for all.  It is therefore resolved that this meeting
should take place on Friday and all efforts to ensure its success and
security will be respected.

- Direction will be provided to community Peacekeepers to prohibit the
attendance of James Gabriel.

- Failing this, the responsibility for fulfilling this direction shall
fall at the feet of the men of Tyendinaga and will be carried out pursuant
to the Law.

Given the recent turmoil throughout the whole of the Mohawk Nation, it is
necessary that this gathering be afforded every opportunity to succeed.
The recent events at Kanehsatake illustrate the need for effective
National Mohawk Peacekeeping initiatives and further, the consistent
resource funding necessary to meet evolving community based Peacekeeping
practices and procedures.

Mr. Gabriels attendance casts a doubt over the legitimacy of these goals.
It appears, and has been suggested, that his reasons for attending are
simply to show that he is involved in an official capacity within the
Mohawk Nation and carrying on business supported by the others in
attendance.  It is an affront that Mr. Gabriel would feel Tyendinaga is an
appropriate place to backdrop for his political agenda and a greater
slight to the men, women, warriors and children of his own community who
have legally deposed him and forever denied his authority to represent
them.

It is my understanding that other representatives, Elected Chiefs, will be
attending from Kanehsatake and can serve as fair and proper representation
for their people.

Respectfully submitted,

In Peace and Friendship

Shawn Brant