Masked, citizens of Kanesatake demonstrated Tuesday in Montreal in front of the office of the Canadian Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Marc Miller. They denounce the inaction of governments with regard to intimidation in the community and the passivity of elected officials with regard to G&R Recyclage, a company that owns a dump that accumulates environmental shortcomings on their territory.
“We had no choice but to remain anonymous in this fiasco which is the result of apathy at all levels of government and the abandonment of Mohawk rights,” says a spokesperson for the residents. of Kanesatake, who remained anonymous for fear of being identified and intimidated. They were accompanied by activists in solidarity with their cause.
The demonstrators denounced, among other things, the environmental situation of the G&R Recyclage site. Well known to the authorities, the company of Mohawk brothers Robert and Gary Gabriel has been making headlines for years for its environmental shortcomings.
But beyond the denunciations, the demonstrators above all demanded the establishment of a commission of inquiry to understand the failure of governance in Kanesatake: “We reiterate the need for an independent investigation and the participation of the special rapporteur of the United Nations on the right of indigenous peoples to this process. This will allow us to bring out the truth and change the trajectory of our current situation to reflect Kanesatake’s values. »
This event, which was attended by around twenty people, is part of a larger campaign called #sortonslesvidanges. Every week, for a month, direct actions will be taken to remind federal and provincial elected officials of the reality experienced by residents of Kanesatake.
Further details will follow.
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