Eastern Door Volume 5 Number 37

Volume 5 Number 37

October 25, 1996

High Hopes For Hotel
By: Lisa Peterson

Elected band councilors Myrtle Bush and Johnny Montour announced to the public during the Friday October 18th edition of K103's lunchtime talkshow that the Kahnawake Economic Development authority (KEA), with the support of Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, will be proceeding with a %5.5 million project that will help boost Kahnawake's battered economy.

"We need to stimulate the economy," said KEDA office manager Jack Leclaire. "We have a very high rate of unemployment in Kahnawake and this project will create about 650 jobs. We need to have money put into our community that will stay in the community," Leclaire went on to add that this idea would be the most economical approach that would enable our economy to thrive.

Each year five billion tourist dollars are spend in the Province of Quebec. This figure proves that there is a thriving and viable tourist industry that is just waiting to be discovered, cultivated and capitalized on. The community of Kahnawake finds itself to be an ideal tourist attraction. It is rich in culture and history, and located just minutes away from a major North American city. Undeniably, there is a large group of people that wish to learn more about Canada's Native people and their culture. This fact has been proven time and time again during Kahnawake's Annual Echoes Of A Proud Nation Pow Wow.

A project of this magnitude and undertaking will require a lot of planning and research but will ultimately create some much needed employment. Leclaire stated that approximately 150 jobs will be created as a result of the proposed hotel, restaurant, and theater. Included in this figure are jobs that would require management skills and training. Another 500 related jobs will be created as a result of this endeavor. This means that there will be a great demand for people and businesses that are able to supply everyday necessities such as bed linens for the hotel, cleaning people, food preparation and many other types of personnel and services.

In addition to these jobs, there will be many produced as a result of the construction of the building complex and related buildings.

The KEDA, in conjunction with the Kahnawake Jobs Education Training Association (KJETA), will definitely be offering training in specialty areas that would enable people to find jobs once the complex is complete and operational. Employment opportunities will be offered first to the people of the First Nations, and primary consideration will be given to qualified Kahnawake residents.

Although there is no official name for this proposed tourist project, Leclaire said that one name that has been tossed around is, 'Kahnawake Destinations Center', Douglas Cardinal, a well known architect who has been associated with Canada's Museum of Man as well as the Smithsonian Institute has been consulted for the designing of this center. This center will be comprised of a 100 room hotel, a theme restaurant, and a Cultural Village.

At present, KEDA is not quite sure if the proposed hotel will be privately owned or be part of an established hotel chain. The majority of this plan is in the developmental stage and none of the plans have been finalized.

Leclaire explains that the theme restaurant will be similar to well-known Montreal area restaurant Festin De Gouveneur. This restaurant has a daily entertainment show that depicts the life of the early French Canadians. Kahnawake's future theme restaurant will be receiving consultations concerning the theater production and restaurant operation.

As to where this center will be located, Leclaire says that the island adjacent to Kateri Tekakwitha Island, in the area nearest to the Cote Saint Catherine Border is seriously considered. However there have already been questions about the impact that this development would have on the environment. Leclaire reassures that prior to any ground breaking or construction, that there would definitely be a study into the impression that would be left on the wildlife that inhabits the island.

Other sites that were mentioned for consideration were area near highways 30 and 132, as well as land in the area of Big Fence on the Old Chateauguay Road. All of these sites are common lands. If these proposed locations were to fall through, KEDA would then consider negotiating with Kahnawake residents to purchase some property.

This project has the capacity to supply Kahnawake residents with a growing economy, great employment opportunities, as well as an opportunity to educate the world about our fascinating culture.

Since the announcement of this project there have been many discussions among community members. One concern that people have is that this tourist center is just an excuse to bring in a casino. When asked about this speculation, Leclaire assured the public that there is in no way any casino planned with this project.

An official ground breaking is set for May 1997 and the center is scheduled to open to the public in May 1998. Leclaire says that the building and plans must be complete so that they can make a presentation at a tourism trade show that will be held in Vancouver, B.C. in May 1998.

More information will be offered to the public as it becomes available.

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Suicide Smash
By: Tom Dearhouse

A LaSalle resident drove his car into a concrete overpass Sunday morning, October 20, in an act that police investigators categorize as a suspected suicide.

One local resident, Jimmy Rice, was the last person to talk to Alain Julien, 28, who had stopped his 1991 Toyota Corolla alongside Route 207 near the seventh hole of Kanawaki Golf Club.

Local witnesses saw him on the overpass on Rte. 138 and on Rte. 207. Also, off-duty Peacekeeper Chief Warren Lahache witnessed Rice and Julien in conversation as if giving directions, which was confirmed later.

Rice pulled alongside his car, thinking the man might be lost. Rice said, "I asked if he needed directions and the guy said he was going to Ville St. Pierre, and so I showed him...He spoke French at first, but then switched to English. I went on my way, and I watched him in the rear view mirror as I passed the checkpoint. He sped up and drove right into the wall. I called PKs immediately."

Witnesses have stated they saw the car accelerate.

Peacekeeper Corporal Mike Stalk gave initial treatment at the scene.

Police reports state: "There were no brake marks, and the vehicle was turned on its side. At that point, he still had vital signs."

The Kahnawake Fire Brigade ambulance transported the patient to Montreal General Hospital, known for its trauma center, but he was not resuscitated. Investigators say he was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA).

PKs began their investigation, notified family, and searched the victim's apartment. PKs report that two library books on suicide were checked out Saturday, the day before. The investigation is not completely closed as PKs wait for hospital tests and autopsy results.

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Editorial

Bobby Skidders (1937-1996)
By: Joe Deom, Guest Editorialist, The Eastern Door

Anyone who knew Bobby Skidders, remembers him as a cantankerous individual who gave the impression that he was angry, impatient and testy. He certainly was intense and seemed to be fueled by gallons of coffee and may have kept more than one cigarette going at all times. This crusty exterior masked his great generosity and selflessness which was displayed during the Ordeal in the Pines in 1990. Bobby had a great sense of humour and women acted in mock indignation at the flirting of this 'dirty old man'.

Perhaps part of the reason for Bobby's impatience was that the pettiness of our own People was getting in the way of dealing with the important issued that affect us. Are we spending more energy in petty jealousies, posturing and paybacks, when we should be dealing with ways in which we could re-group and re-energize our Nation and our Confederacy? Whether we are Traditional or follow the elective system, we all know that we are stronger if we can speak with one voice on any issue. We have the talent at our disposal in all of our communities to deal with and combat the genocidal policies and programs of the governments that surround us. We have to re-build our communities from the ground up by re-building the foundation of our Nations, and that is the Clan System. It can be done. It must be done. Overtures have been made from time to time toward a reconciliation between those that have been at each other's throats in the past. Perhaps reconciliation is too soon to be effected. What is needed is to come to a meeting of the minds on issues that affect us all. We don't have to like each other. Differences of opinion will occur. We must work on those issues that we can agree upon. But we must get going. Meetings will be called, in the near future, to try to deal with many of our basic issues. It is important that people from all camps attend.

Bobby rose to the occasion in 1990 during the time of that Crisis. We are still living in a crisis situation every day. Our survival depends on how we, as individuals, rise to the occasion, day in and day out, in order to preserve, protect and advance the re-construction of our Nation.

The Passing of a Warrior

Robert Tsi kahentho Skidders, Bobby as he was called by his friends, and know to the media as 'Mad Jap' during the crisis of 1990, was buried on Tuesday afternoon at Akwesasne. He admitted himself to the hospital after feeling ill and suddenly suffered a massive heart attack. He died on Saturday, October 19, 1996. He is survived by his wife Theresa, sons Troy, Kenny and Vincent, his daughter April and two grandchildren. He was 59. Services were held at the Longhouse.

After a troubled youth, Bobby settled down to community life in Akwesasne and spent two terms in office as a Band Councilor. He became interested in the Longhouse and eventually became and active supporter.

In Kanehsatake in 1990, Bobby was ready to help in any way he could. He was in the Pines on July11 when the SQ launched their deadly raid. From that moment, Bobby took on the role of organizer and protector, calming our young men during stressful times. Later, he was instrumental in keeping the Canadian Army calm during many tense situations. Added to the words said over his body, was the acknowledgment that he may have saved the lives of many soldiers, as well as our own, because of his efforts during the crisis. Recently, Bobby had opened a small restaurant in St. Regis Village. The store doubled as an activity center for young and old, where bingo, cards and chess games were held. In tribute, several young men placed chess pieces with Bobby in his final resting place.

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Comics

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