MCK offers condolences on the passing of John Ciaccia

08/09/2018

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) wishes to offer condolences on the passing of long-time Liberal politician John Ciaccia at the age of 85. Mr. Ciaccia was the Quebec Native Affairs Minister during the so-called Oka Crisis.

�John Ciaccia was one of the most honorable men I have ever dealt with,� stated Joseph Tokwiro Norton, who was Grand Chief in 1990, as he is today. �During those dark days he kept pushing his own government to find common ground, stating that he believed that our issues were legitimate and should be addressed.�

�Significantly, Kahnawa�kehr�:non were able to use the dock located on his private property in Dorval to pick up groceries when there was no other way other than crossing the river,� he added. �For that alone he�ll always be held in the highest esteem by our people.�

Mr. Ciaccia went on the record supporting �Mohawks having control over their own lives� during a time when the sentiment of the general population was not as understanding or open-minded.

�He was really an incredible individual who had the respect of Native and non-Native alike,� concluded Grand Chief Norton. �A few years ago we presented him with the name Aweriasowaneh, meaning Generous Heart. May his family take comfort in the fact that he was both respected and loved.�