MCK Applauds Tobacco Initiative

09/30/2008

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) announced today that it is pleased that the newly re-formed Kahnawake Tobacco Association (KTA) has taken the initiative to invite the various political entities to the table to discuss the topic of regulating the industry.

Chief and Council received a letter from the KTA last week, in which they formally requested three specific items from the MCK:
1. To sanction the KTA as the sole authority to regulate the industry
2. To fill a permanent seat of equal standing within the KTA
3. To grant an audience to the KTA within the next two weeks for the purposes of making a complete presentation

�We agree with the KTA that there is an urgency to the situation,� said portfolio chief Rhonda Kirby. �The only way to solve this is collectively, and we are pleased that they have made the effort to include every facet of Kahnaw�:ke in the discussions, including those who aren�t involved in the tobacco industry. We have begun making the necessary arrangements to meet with their representatives.� �This is a good starting point,� she added.

A formal response has been sent but it was felt by Chief and Council that the community should know immediately that they have agreed to the meeting.