The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York is condemning the "illegal" actions of a man who was arrested for removing soil from a Superfund site near the reservation.

The tribe said it was frustrated by the federal government's refusal to remove the General Motors Powertrain site. But that doesn't mean it supports the actions of Larry Thompson, whose Mohawk name is Kanietakeron, who has been charged for digging up the ground.

"The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Environment Division understand the rightful concerns of community members in relation to contamination, but cannot condone illegal activity. Especially when that activity puts the community at risk," the tribe said in a statement.“The SRMT is a good steward of the environment and strives to provide a safe and secure community.”

The 12-acre General Motors site is filled with toxic materials.

Get the Story:
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe distances itself from Larry Thompson (The Watertown Daily Times 8/23)

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