MCK applauds Montreal Reconciliation Strategy

11/05/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke wishes to thank the City of Montreal for its renewed efforts toward reconciliation.

Iets�nhaienhs Gina Deer, who attended yesterday�s launch of the Reconciliation Strategy with Indigenous Peoples on behalf of the MCK, said the event showed that Mayor Val�rie Plante�s administration is willing to continue on the road to better relations.

�There have been more inroads towards real reconciliation in the past five years than in my lifetime,� said Iets�nhaienhs Deer, who spoke at the event. �There have been a significant number of initiatives that have demonstrated the commitment to the spirit of reconciliation. Some have been very prominent, like the appointment of Indigenous Affairs Commissioner Marie-Eve Bordeleau, the addition of the Tree of Peace to the City of Montreal flag, the changing of a couple of street names, and replacing historically inaccurate or culturally-insensitive plaques.�

�We hope that Mme. Plante�s actions will inspire other cities and municipalities to take similar paths,� she added. �For us, Montreal has been a neighbor for hundreds of years. It�s time that we become friends. The Reconciliation Strategy unveiled today provides a roadmap for that eventuality.�