Mohawks get apology and $46M for power projects

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne accepted $46 million an apology for power projects in Ontario that were built without proper consultation.

Ontario Power Generation, then known as Ontario Hydro, built dams and a generating station in the 1950s that upset the flow of the St. Lawrence River. The Mohawks lost fishing sites, cultural sites and an important aspect of their daily lives.

"The St. Lawrence River gave us life and continues to nourish us," Grand Chief Tim Thompson said at a ceremony yesterday, The Cornwall Standard-Freeholder reported. "We share with it an ancient bond like that of a child to its mother."

The Mohawks were the only Native community left out of the consultation process. "We did not inform you of or allow your input into the project; for this, we apologize," OPG Chairman Jake Epp said. "We didn't consider how the building would affect your way of life; for this, we apologize."

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OPG offers apology to Akwesasne (The Cornwall Standard-Freeholder 10/3)