Hence the anxiety of some Mohawks who do not want to see Quebec separate from Canada. Emotions are running high in some and panic seems to be influencing their thinking. To break a long standing political stance of nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationship with Quebec and Canada based on the concepts of the Two Row Wampum would be major departure from the Mohawk’s own position of sovereignty. And this is the dilemma. The sovereignty of Mohawks versus the sovereignty of Quebec and Canada. Mohawks believe they are sovereign and act that way. That is what gives Mohawks their strength and a very unique relationship with Quebec and Canada today. Mohawk communities are very independent and assert their authority in any way they can much to the chagrin of Quebec and Canada. Mohawks are separate from Quebec more than Quebec is separate from Canada at this time. And Quebec knows that. They know that Mohawks have a strong sense of nationality and exercise it more than other Indigenous Nations in Quebec. Jacques Parazeau, who was Premier of Quebec during the last referendum in 1995, once said that Mohawks are a problem. They block bridges and can be troublesome. Let the Mohawks stay in Canada. They can keep their land and it will be Canada’s problem to control them.Get the Story:
Kenneth Deer: What the Mohawks Might Say to the PM (Indian Country Today 4/3) Another Opinion:
Caroline Nepton: To vote or not to vote? Aboriginal people in Quebec to decide (CBC 4/2) Earlier Story:
First Nations weigh in on Quebec sovereignty debate (CBC 3/18)
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