The Eastern Door Volume 12 Number 31

RCMP Report Does Not Link Terrorism to Mohawk Cigarette Trade
By: Greg Horn
Senior Star Writer

A newly released RCMP intelligence report on smuggling says illegal tobacco finances terrorism. However, the report does not link the Mohawk cigarette trade in Kahnawake, Akwesasne and Kanehsatake to terrorist activity.

The report is classified as "Protected" and was obtained by the National Post through the Access to Information Act. The National Post shared it with The Eastern Door. The intelligence report looks at the "illegal movements of all commodities which fall under the Customs and Excise mandate."

The report says, "Proceeds from the illicit tobacco trade have been used to fund terrorist activities in Europe and in the Middle East. Within the United States, four persons associated with immigration and contraband cigarette violations were charged with conspiracy to fund the terrorist group Hezbollah."

Although Kahnawake and Akwesasne are mentioned all over the report, it does not tie any Mohawks with funding terrorism-related activities. There have been incidents in recent years where Middle Eastern people would purchase large quantities of cigarettes from low-taxed states such as North Carolina and sell them for huge profits in high-taxed states like Michigan. It is believed that these profits were then used to buy equipment for and to fund Hezbollah activities. The report does say that, "One of the groups heavily involved in the illicit tobacco trade is Aboriginal-based organized crime. A large portion of contraband tobacco originates from Akwesasne, Kahnawake or the Six Nations Reserve. In addition, Akwesasne remains a primary portal for illegal goods moving in and out of Canada, including narcotics, firearms, illegal migrants, alcohol and tobacco." "The illegal tobacco trade is driven by widespread demand for cheaper tobacco products. The quest leads to other provinces, Native reserves and countries. Also, the Internet is a low-cost and low-risk method to market contraband products."

The report says that organized crime is heavily involved in the trafficking and smuggling of most high demand commodities. "Generally speaking, profit is the major incentive but often, members of these crime groups are themselves consumers of the goods in question, particularly alcohol and weapons. In some cases, lenient penalties offer little deterrence."

According to the report, geography plays a critical role in Canada's contraband operations, whether that be cigarettes, alcohol, guns, computer components, jewelry or furs. It says that smugglers take advantage of trails and back roads, as well as other land and water access points to transport goods over the Canada/U.S. border.

"The Akwesasne reserve, with its well-known geographic advantages, is still used by smugglers although illicit drugs and illegal migrants appear to be replacing tobacco and alcohol as the commodities of choice," the report said. However, the report adds that the illicit tobacco market in Canada is reasonably stable compared to the early 1990s. "Present-day cross-border smuggling has been limited to small personal-use quantities. The interprovincial movement of popular tobacco brands, the intra-provincial division of Native quota to nonnative individuals/businesses, and the theft of tobacco products are the activities of choice."

One of the results of tighter border controls since the September 11 terror attacks is that domestic fine cut tobacco is now being produced by a growing number of clandestine manufacturers.

The RCMP said that Native communities "present a unique challenge to the enforcement of tobacco laws and regulations. In general, Natives residing on reserves are not required to follow provincial regulations since federal law governs reservations. Bands generally develop and enforce their own policies for the welfare of their community. In some situations, this has been exploited for financial gain."

The RCMP singles out several brands of contraband cigarettes that are popular. These cigarettes are produced within Native communities. One brand, Native, is made on the US side of Akwesasne, while brands such as De's and Putter's are made legally in Six Nations by Grand River Enterprises. Grand River Enterprises is licensed to sell its products in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Newfoundland. However, De's are being found in areas where it is not permitted for sale, such as in Manitoba.

The report does not tie Grand River Enterprises to the contraband market; it just states that its product is being sold on the black market.

The RCMP said that despite the increased security measures put in place following September 11, large amounts of tobacco are smuggled from Akwesasne and are destined for Kahnawake. The report also states that in 2002 Native brand cigarettes were available on the roadside in Kahnawake and Kanehsatake for $20 per carton.

"As ties between the three Native settlements in the region are strong. Kanehsatake and Kahnawake have been ideal locations for warehouse tobacco products illegally manufactured on the US side of the Akwesasne reserve." The report continues to say that, "Tobacco products originating from the Kahnawake reserve continue to dominate Quebec's illicit tobacco market. Investigators have confirmed large quantities of Canadian-manufactured cigarettes (black-stock) such as Player's, du Merrier and Export 'A' sent to Kahnawake are eventually diverted to the Montreal black market."

According to the RCMP, Kahnawake is becoming a center for illegal tobacco manufacturing. "The availability of contraband fine-cut tobacco is also increasing, partly in response to the curtailment of cross-border activity. Domestic fine-cut is now being produced by a growing number of clandestine manufacturers of the Kahnawake reserve. Kahnawake continues to be a primary manufacturing center for counterfeit fine-cut tobacco."

In relation to alcohol, there are two types that cause the most concern - smuggled alcohol and illicitly manufactured alcohol. The report mentions the March 2002 bust of the still at Plaza 138. In that operation, over 26,000 liters of illicit alcohol were seized, along with cases of labels, palettes of empty bottles, still equipment, improperly stored firearms and 86 cartons of stolen Gallowses cigarettes.

The report also deals with the smuggling of firearms and jewelry. It contends that Canadian-made furs are smuggled into Russia and that computer components from the US are smuggled into Canada to avoid the SST.

The Kahnawake Flames had an outstanding season come crashing down on them in the finals of the Chat-O-Cats Softball league championships. On Wednesday evening the Flames and Team Poirier finished Game 1 of the best-of-three series, after the match at Kateri Hospital field was called earlier in the week because of darkness, and played Game 2. These contests both took place at Chateauguay's Bonneau Park.

The Flames lost both games by one run, 16-15 and 9-8 respectively, and in doing so lost the league championship. But the real story behind this series is not the loss by the Flames but rather the actions of the Team Poirier players, parents and fans following the game.

Flames' coach Frank "Putsky" Rice said that at the end of the game there was an incident at home plate between one of his players and a Team Poirier player. The two players exchanged blows, but the scuffle was broken up. The teams then shook hands at the end of the game.

As the Flames were getting ready to leave, several fights broke out between the Kahnawake players and people in the stands. Soon the fighting turned into a full-blown brawl and the Chateauguay Police were called.

Rice explained that most of Kahnawake's fans had already left when the Flames were accosted. There was one guy in the stands, who Rice said was in his 40s, continually yelling "savage, savage" and "go back to your reserve."

"They played excellent," Rice said of the Team Poirier players. "There was no need for that. The game was done and we were leaving. They won the game. Imagine what they would have done if they lost!"

Constable Michel Roy of the Chateauguay Police told The Eastern Door that a report was filed and charges will be laid in relation to this incident. Roy said that once the report is completed it will be sent to the Crown Prosecutor's office which will determine what charges are laid. He said because both parties in this case are accusing the other, both sides may face charges.

Rice said that the league president was at the game and knows that the Kahnawake players were the ones who were attacked.

Despite the disappointing and disturbing end to their season, Rice is proud of his team's performance this summer.

"The girls had an excellent season with a 28-3 record," Rice said. All three of the Flames losses were by one run. "Keep your heads up, girls. You had a great season. Be proud of what you have done."

Comprehensive Casino Package Released
Home-delivered Proposal Reveals Official Referendum Question and Project Partner
By:Ross Montour

The Kahnawake Casino Proposal Working Group unveiled the comprehensive proposal package it hopes will win the support of the community and thereby secure a yes vote on the upcoming community-wide referendum on the project. The referendum will be held Saturday, October 4 in the Karonhianonhnha School gym between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The proposal package was presented to the local media at a press conference held at Tewatohnhi'saktha's main office on Monday. Project Manager Kyle Delisle confirmed the selection of the partner chosen to collaborate on the project, should it get the nod from Kahnawake's voters.

"We are pleased that Casinos Austria International has been chosen as the prospective partner with Kahnawake. They are one of the most successful and reputable gaming companies in the world," Delisle stated.

According to Delisle and Joe Delaronde, Communications Coordinator for the project, Casinos Austria is the largest casino developer in the world, with over 200 land-based casinos developed in 25 countries around the world since 1977. The international casino developer lists the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation as one of its partners in the creation of the Blue Heron Charity Casino at Port Perry, Ontario. The casino has been in operation since 1997.

Delisle and Delaronde said that Casinos Austria was one of seven companies that were approached to gauge their interest in participating in a joint project. Of those, five companies were invited to submit proposals. The companies were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Delaronde said that three declined signing the nondisclosure agreement. One of the companies, Foxwoods, stated it was not ready to take on a project of the scope Kahnawake was looking at, Delaronde said.

The choice to proceed with selecting Casinos Austria was based upon a list of criteria explained in the comprehensive casino proposal. "Of the two companies, Casinos Austria had the most experience," Delaronde noted.

According to Delaronde and Delisle, Casinos Austria also offered the most attractive terms. "For instance, their management fees were substantially lower than the other company being considered," Delaronde stated.

The other company under consideration - Kursners - had limited experience in the kind of proposal being considered for Kahnawake. "Their (Kursners) experience was limited to resort development - something we weren't considering here," Delisle explained.

Following the feasibility study completed by the consulting firm Kraft-Peate-Marwick Group (KPMG), Delisle indicated the Kahnawake casino, if realized, would be roughly the same size as the Montreal casino was when it was first constructed.

While the pair said that, while there are no plans to consider the construction of hotel facilities at this point, there will be retail space designed into the plans. Delisle suggested that there might also be the possibility to build a strip mall on the 113-acre site selected for the possible casino.

On another front, Delaronde said that discussions have been held with Kahnawake Community Services (KSCS) about the development of anti-abuse education and strategies for those that may run into problems with gambling. There has also been discussion on prohibiting community members from gambling in the casino, should it be constructed.

"But," Delaronde cautions, "even if the community votes 'yes' in the referendum, ground on the project won't be broken until a lot of planning and discussion has taken place. There are still the outside governments to consider - that have to be talked to."

The choice to hand-deliver the comprehensive packages was a practical one, Delaronde explained. "There are a lot of families in town that share mailboxes which would mean that maybe only one family member would get a copy of the proposal," he added.

The package also confirmed the question which will be posed to Kahnawake voters on referendum day: "On August 25, 2003, Tewatohnhi'saktha proposed a Casino Development Project to Kahnawake that will be owned and operated by the People of Kahnawake. Do you approve of this proposal? Yes/No"

Despite the dreariness of the weather, the community discussions on the Great Law got under way on schedule this Monday at the Cultural Center grounds. The event, organized by the Traditional Government Working Body, is aimed at fostering an understanding of the Great Law among the people of Kahnawake. While the first day saw the largest number of people attending, attendance was consistent throughout the week. The first day's agenda focused on the Creation Story, the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy, and a read-through of the Great Law.

Over the week, the discussions featured an article-by-article discussion and questions related to the law. At times there was friction about what topics should be discussed and which should not, such as the debate over whether the casino issue should be included.

Some people questioned the validity of a Mohawk Council-sponsored group initiating such discussion.

Former MCK Chief Martin Leborgne attended the talks. "So far, I think a lot of good has come out of it, even though some people said Council shouldn't be doing it. But, me, I don't care who does it, so long as it gets done.

"The young people asked a lot of good questions and had a lot of good things to say. There was even a guy from Akwesasne who said he thought it was a good thing. I know the Kaianerekowa but even I learned something," Leborgne commented. The Great Law discussions conclude this afternoon.

Condors Eye Reinforcements In Midst of Five-Game Skid
By: Bob Oliver

The Kahnawake Condors lost five Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League pre-season starts in six days, culminating with a 3-2 reversal at the hands of the Lachine Maroons in Mercier last Tuesday, but head coach Stephane Beaudin and the team's 11 co-owners are not about to push the panic button. Reinforcements are on the way.

"These games are part of training camp and give us the opportunity to see what the players can do," explained co-owner John McComber. "We are experimenting to prepare for the regular season."

The exhibition schedule comes to an end this Sunday when the Condors play a return match against former general manager Serge Charlebois' new Ile Perrot franchise at 4 p.m. at the Mercier Arena.

The Condors open their regular schedule a week from tonight in Coaticook against the Frontaliers. Home opener at the Kahnawake Sports Complex is Friday, Sept. 12 with the Valleyfield Braves providing the opposition.

By last weekend, the coaching staff had cut the roster down from 40 players to a more workable 30. One of the casualties of the numbers game was Michael John McComber of Kahnawake. But the team still has four Natives on the roster: Joe Frank Thomas, Michael White, Trent Lahache and Carl Zacharie.

"We expect to make our final cuts by this weekend," said Beaudin, who was not dismayed by the club's five-game slide. "We have been looking at a lot of young guys who are pushing to make the team," he noted. "We are playing a lot of rookies."

The Condors dropped 6-3 and 8-4 decisions to Valleyfield last Thursday and Saturday, sandwiched around a 7-4 setback at the hands of Lachine Friday. The most embarrassing defeat was a 7-5 verdict at the hands of the fledgling Ile Perrot franchise last Sunday.

Among the Kahnawake marksmen during this dry period were Andrew Wilkins and Marc-Andre Allard (twice) of Chateauguay; Kenny Lavoie of Mercier; Mathieu Ouellet of St. Constant and Cedric Caron of St. Remi.

The Condors are awaiting an influx of midget draft choices whom they expect will be chopped by Quebec Major Junior Hockey League squads this week. These include Charles Lemoyne College Midget AAA product Jonathan Lariviere, who is reportedly struggling through a sub-par camp with Victoriaville Tigres thus far. Already returning to the Condors last Monday were forwards Alexandre Tessier and No. 2 draft pick Guillaume Doucet, both of whom were sent down by Rouyn-Noranda of the QMJHL.

Besides the aforementioned John McComber, other Condors CO-owners include team president Bob Gloutney, Mike Thomas, Gary Albany, Barry Alfred, Rita McComber, Peter Paul, Peter Jacobs, Frank Putsky Rice, Jamie Ranch Diabo and Orval Bolduc.

It Is Irresponsible For The National Post To Link Mohawks With Terrorism
By: Kenneth Deer, The Eastern Door

The editorial in Thursday's National Post linking terrorism to Mohawks is irresponsible and dangerous. The editorial refers to an RCMP report on smuggling and terrorism but nowhere in the report, of which The Eastern Door has a copy, is there any connection between Kahnawake and Akwesasne with terrorist organizations.

The report does say that cigarette smuggling has not stopped since September 11, 2001 and that some of these cigarettes pass through Akwesasne and Kahnawake. The report also mentions that one Native, a Seneca, was arrested in western New York after selling cigarettes to people in Detroit with connections to Hezbollah, an organization accused of terrorist activity.

The RCMP report does not make any connection between the Mohawks in Canada and the cigarettes sold in Detroit. A story in the National Post last week was also sensationalizing the RCMP report with misleading headlines suggesting a connection between Mohawks and terrorism.

But yesterday's editorial was more than sensationalist, it was outright fabrication. If the National Post said that in one instance cigarettes sold in western New York are linked to Hezbollah, then that would be accurate according to the RCMP. To say that there is a direct link is a fabrication. The Post does write 'sources say' to distance the remarks from the RCMP report but does not indicate what or who that source is.

The Post goes on to suggest that it is 'multiculturalism and political correctness' that stops Canada from subjecting Aboriginals to customs inspections.

Multiculturalism and political correctness have nothing to do with the rights of the Mohawk People. The right to free access to our homelands is a fundamental right from time immemorial that supersedes any contemporary notions of correctness toward any ethnicity.

The Post tries to lower our fundamental rights by embarrassing the Canadian government into some sort of heavy action against our people as they cross the border. Linking Mohawks to terrorism suits the agenda of the National Post which has had an anti-Native bias for years.

The newspaper syndicate of which the Post is a member has tried to label our rights as race-based, fanning the embers of racism against Native people. While Native nations across Canada fight to keep or regain their legitimate rights, with every step forward they make, someone raises the issue of race-based rights; a convoluted concept that is continually reinforced by the mainstream press.

Now, by linking Mohawks to international terrorism without any concrete evidence, the Post is creating a new artificial issue; a new way to bash Natives and try to undermine our rights.

With the general society still shocked by the events of 9/11, comments such as those in the National Post can lead to the broad oppression of our people.

Terrorism is the new excuse to wrest away civil liberties from the general public and it could be used to strip Indigenous rights away from Mohawks.

The opinions expressed in the National Post editorial of August 28 was extremely irresponsible and could cause unjustified harm to Kahnawake and Akwesasne. At the same time, those Mohawks who are involved in cross-border activities should keep in mind our own security and not get involved in contraband that would threaten our freedoms.