(Akwesasne -- April 24, 1997) There has been much information circulating
over the past few weeks with respect to the Interim Agreement between the
Haudenosaunee and the State of New York. The interim agreement has been
described by some as a tax compact thru which the State will impose its
taxes on our people and territories.
This is not our understanding of the terms and intent of this agreement.
The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs would not support any tax compact. As
the nation's government, we will ensure that the collective rights and
responsibilities of the people are not eroded or undermined. We have
always maintained a consistent position with respect to our status as a
nation and we will continue to do so.
We have made it clear that, although the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs
is tentatively supportive of the current discussions with the State, we
are not an active, official, participant.
While the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs supports the principles outlined
in the beginning of the interim agreement, we will wait to study the
actual text that will come out of current discussions and base our
contribution to the public discourse on accurate and current information.
Our position will be based on the following principles:
- We have rights and we don't apologize for having them. Those rights
should no longer be abused or put at risk by anyone. We understand that
every right carries the burden of, at the very least, a responsibility
equal to the right.
- Discussion and negotiations, if done properly and on the basis of mutual
recognition and respect, can create a relationship with other governments
which can lead to the resolution of other issues.
- Proceeds generated through the exercise of our rights, which belong to
everyone, should substantially go to the communities and nations in an
equitable manner.
- The Haudenosaunee (government and people) have the opportunity to begin
a long term transition that will break our dependence and allow us to
achieve self-sufficiency.
- We wish to avoid confrontations which involve unnecessary risk and
injury. Friction among our people only serves the interests of the United
States and Canadian governments. - We wish to restore peace and
prosperity and that's what the Haudenosaunee are about.
The complexity of the issues requires that we use a good mind and avoid
allowing emotions to dictate our actions. The disunity in our communities
has made it difficult to achieve success in dealing with the issues facing
our people and we want to avoid repeating past mistakes.
It is the desire of the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs to act in a manner
which will promote a coming together of the people. We acknowledge the
restraint demonstrated during these emotional times and we thank the
people for maintaining an atmosphere of calm in the Kahniakehaka
communities.
We look forward to continuing our participation in open and productive
dialogue with the people. We have recently organized several meetings for
that purpose. We retain the option of participating in any forum we deem
appropriate and timely.
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For information, please contact the Mohawk Nation Council Office: (518)
358-3381