Parade Safety a Community concern

08/25/2014

The Community Protection Unit of the Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke has received several calls concerning the recent celebration parades held in the community following the North American Indigenous Games and Minor Lacrosse Championships.

The main concern is that young children and adolescents were witnessed riding on vehicles in an extremely unsafe manner. Although the vehicles moved relatively slowly, a sudden stop could have caused someone to fall from the vehicle. The height of the vehicle in one instance and the structure that was on top of a flatbed was high enough to cause severe trauma. It should be noted that no one anticipated the death from a fall at the Montreal St. Patrick�s Day parade several years ago.

Please note that most participants were riding safely; however, there were specific vehicles that caused concern in each parade.

The primary purpose of this message, which is being issued in cooperation with the Child Safety Network, is to have organizers and parents take proper precautions to ensure the safety of the participants by NOT allowing unsafe practices. This message is in no way meant to stop such events from taking place. These celebrations are a natural outlet that allows us to show appreciation for a job well done.

The community does not need nor want a preventable tragedy to overshadow what should be a joyous time. For more information on parade safety contact the Community Protection Unit at 450-632-0635.