Akwesasne Mohawks protest border gun plan
Updated: Fri May. 01 2009 7:14:03 PM
ctvottawa.ca
Akwesasne Mohawks near Cornwall are furious about the presence of weapons near their community, in the form of newly-armed Canadian border agents.
Protests began Friday against the new policy at the Cornwall Island crossing, which goes into effect on June 1. Many natives fear escalations will become even more dangerous through the presence of guns.
"Our community has had enough of CBSA harassing our community, harassing our young people, and (racially) profiling our people," said Tim Thompson.
The Canadian government has instituted a long-term but controversial plan to equip Canada Border Services Agency agents with firearms. But the Akwesasne Mohawk Reserve has a law banning guns, meaning many are angry that the agents will remain in place in the midst of their community.
"There haven't been any confrontations that would justify them having guns," said Akwesasne resident Frank Horn. "This is because they're trying to become like the Americans."
The RCMP, local police, and the CBSA have mounted sustained operations against contraband tobacco and other smuggled goods in the area.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Jamie Long
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Comments are now closed for this story
Dennis R
First may I say to the first nations people of Akwesasne/ Cornwall boarder crossing.
On your land you have no guns allowed I here yet when you protest something gus show up every where (strange).
The lsnd in question is federal land, it is there to protect Canada from smugiling into our country which we are told a lot of that goes on in this area in the for of boose & smokes and I would not be surprised if some guns got in there as well.
TThese men and women of the boarder guards are the front line officers, it is their life that is on the line, while it may be true htere is not much need at this time for guns it is on the way and they must have the right to defend them selves when and if they are confronted with violance in kind.
To all Canadians of all nationalities I say give them what they need to do the job they are being asked to do, Comport your self in all thins of honest endevor, don't do thing or say things that will make those guards lookat you in a bad light and all will be good, but cross the line and be ready to pay the price of your action!
I na a interview a women said she had no use for guns, they should have asked her as well to go and work there for a year or to and see if she felt the same, Do not ask others to do your dirty work unless you are ready to give them all the tools they need to do their job and protect them selves at the same time, would you ask a fireman to work with out a Scott Air Pack or a policeman with out a gun
Tim from Cornwall
Well it's finally happened...the Natives are running the country! The government will continue to do nothing.