Eastern Door Volume 8 Number 8

Volume 8 Number 8

March 19, 1999

Icebreaker Warms Up To Kahnawake
By: Kenneth Deer

It is always a sure sign of the spring thaw when the icebreaker cuts through the Seaway in March. This year, the event was made a little special when a few young students from Kahnawake schools were asked to go on board.

The Eastern Door made contact with the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority early last year to gain permission for a number of people to make the first trip of the year as part of an Eastern Door promotion. A contest was supposed to determine the ship's lucky passengers however, because of an office oversight, the ship got underway before the contest did.

The Eastern Door hurriedly rounded up six persons and invited them aboard the icebreaker George R. Pearkes, for its annual journey up the seaway channel. Two grade six students from Karonhianonhnha; Karahkwennentha Goodleaf and Karonhiaktatie Kane, and Dennen Phillips and Jordan Diabo, from Kateri School along with Perry Cross as monitor made the trip.

Students boarded the ship at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning just below the St. Catherine Locks for what was supposed to be a three hour tour. While waiting for the ship to cast off, they were given a tour of the ship and saw the liftoff of a helicopter from the rear deck.

Eventually, the ship approached the lock but ice was pushing it against the walls so it had to reverse its course while the ice was flushed out of the lock.

Once inside the lock, the ship was raised 10 meters. However, upon leaving, one of the lock doors would not open all the way and jutted out a few feet into the mouth of the lock exit. The captain had to skillfully edge the ship out of the lock without hitting the door or scraping the side of the lock.

Once clear of the lock, at about 11:00 a.m., the icebreaker picked up steam and headed for Kahnawake.
By this time, we were about three hours behind schedule. Encouraged by K103 all morning, the community of Kahnawake came out on the shores to greet the ship and its passengers. As a matter of fact, some people were at the locks to see the ship off and there were cars all along the route starting at the Kahnawake Survival School all the way to the Marina.

No one kept count but the largest crowds were at the K103 radio station and at the old fort behind the Catholic Church where many students from Kateri School were there to greet the ship.
The ship returned the greeting by blowing its horn.

Once past Kahnawake, the ship headed to Beauharnois while the guests were invited to the Officers Mess for lunch. After lunch there was a tour of the engine room.
Before we knew it, we were back in the canal next to Kahnawake and shortly after, at the St. Catherine Locks. There was some difficulty in disembarking from the icebreaker as thick ice prevented the ship from drawing alongside the wharf but eventually the captain persuaded the ship to veer close enough for the gang plank to safely carry us to shore.

The captain and 24 crew members were very accommodating and made everyone feel welcome. The ship was very clean and well kept. We were given free run of the ship and had five decks to climb up and down on with steep and narrow stairs.

The students liked the upper deck above the wheel house but it became very cold once the ship was underway. They preferred to stay on the foredeck to watch the ice breaking underneath them. The sound of the ice hitting the ship was very loud at the front.

Another favorite place was the wheel house where the captain and other officers control the ship. The students were allowed to use binoculars and were shown how the ship is run.

It was a very educational trip for the students and the adults as well. With this experience behind us and the good rapport that was developed between the Coast Guard and Seaway Authority, The Eastern Door will be planning a larger contingent next for both students and adults to enjoy a ride on an icebreaker.

The Eastern Door would like to thank captain Eric Boisvert and his crew for their hospitality and also Claude Bilodeau of the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority for making the trip possible.

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Arrested Again
By: Greg Horn

Kahnawake residents can sleep easier at night, as career criminal, Chris Homer is once again behind bars. On the evening of March 12 at approximately 9:00 p.m. the Kahnawake Peacekeepers received a call about a suspicious person in the area of Mohawk Beach Road.

Upon arrival, the Peacekeepers began looking for the prowler and in the process found that there were two incidents of break and entering at private residences. A foot chase with a suspect soon followed and Chris Homer was caught with stolen property in his possession.

Homer had stolen a generator from a home on Mohawk Beach Road and in order to transport it, he stole an expensive sleigh from another residence. Once he was detained, a suspected cannabis resin (hashish) was found in his possession.

Homer will face two charges of Break and Entering, two charges of possession of stolen property, one Honda Generator and an expensive sled, mischief and possession of narcotics.

Homer is scheduled to appear in Longueuil court today for a bail hearing.
The Peacekeepers would also like to report that since Homer's arrest there have been no reports of break and entering or thefts. The Peacekeepers are also investigating other reports of theft and Break and Entering that have occurred over that last several weeks, to see if they can now be solved.

Since the age of 18, Chris Homer has amassed a criminal record of approximately six pages. The majority of these offenses are theft and violence related.
Due to his extensive criminal record, Homer will probably get some jail time, but that all depends on what type of arrangement that he makes with the Crown prosecutor, according to Peacekeeper Chief Warren Lahache.

"We're happy because we solved a few issues (with this arrest)," states Lahache.

The Peacekeepers are advising residents in the area of Mohawk Beach Road to check their shed to see if anything is missing or damaged.

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Car Chase Leads To False Arrest
By: Greg Horn

At approximately 9:00 p.m. last Friday, March 12, the Kahnawake Peacekeepers received a call from the St. Constant Police to inform them that they were entering Kahnawake.

The St. Constant Police were coming into Kahnawake to pursue a suspect in a robbery at an Ultramar gas station on St. Pierre Street, which is close to the St. Constant/Kahnawake boundary. The St. Constant Police were given a description of the vehicle and the suspects. They were also informed that they were headed towards Kahnawake.

When the St. Constant Police responded, they came across a vehicle that matched the description they were given. They began to follow the car, which was heading into Kahnawake.

They informed the Peacekeepers that they were following a suspect vehicle into Kahnawake, following the established protocol. However, they continued into the center of Kahnawake, explaining to the Peacekeepers that they did not want to let potentially dangerous and life-threatening criminals go.

While they were on the phone with the Peacekeepers trying to tell them where they were, the Peacekeepers got a call to report that an outside police force was in front of Jumbo's Restaurant.

The Peacekeepers then reported to the scene. Once the Peacekeepers arrived on the scene, the St. Constant Police left Kahnawake, without incident. The two local individuals were then arrested by the Kahnawake Peacekeepers.

It was later learned that these two individuals had nothing to do with the robbery, but by an unfortunate coincidence, they and their vehicle matched the description of that of the perpetrators. Both individuals were not charged and later released.

Apparently when the St. Constant Police went in the direction of the suspect vehicle, they came across the two locals. Because the locals matched the description the St. Constant Police officers assumed that these were the guys that they were looking for.

The two perpetrators are still at large.

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Drug Raid In Kanehsatake
By: Greg Horn

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 17, the Kanehsatake Mohawk Police along with the Kahnawake Peacekeepers and officers from the Listiguj, Odanak, Wolinak, Mashtetuuiatsh, Manawa and Timiskaming police forces executed two drug warrants in Kanehsatake.

At 2:00 a.m., 32 Native police officers raided two private homes and arrested three individuals, two men and one woman. These raids resulted in the seizure of approximately 150 marijuana plants and hydroponic lab chemicals and equipment. The three appeared in court the same day. Charges have not been finalized.

The raid, seizure and arrest are the product of a six week investigation by the Kanehsatake Mohawk Police. Several weeks ago the KMP informed the Kahnawake Peacekeepers of this investigation and requested assistance for the raid.

There are several reasons that the Peacekeepers got involved in this operation. In 1998, the Kahnawake Peacekeepers, Kanehsatake Mohawk Police and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police began negotiations for a tri-community policing agreement. The agreement meant that the three police forces would assist each other in various aspects of policing for each community, when it is necessary, because these police forces would rather work with each other than with outside police forces.

Once the KMP notified the Peacekeepers they were happy to help.

There is one other reason that the Peacekeepers got involved in this operation. The Peacekeepers have reason to believe that this drug operation has links to Kahnawake. The Peacekeepers would not speculate further.

"In the future," states PK Chief Warren Lahache. "Expect to see Native police here in case the Peacekeepers need assistance. We are very proud to take part in this operation.

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Alex Rice's Career Blooms in Welsh Musical
By: Dan Rosenberg

It was a long and winding trail that brought Kahnawake-born Alexandrea Kawisenhawe Rice to Cardiff, Wales, where the 26-year-old Native actress has been appearing in a musical production called "The Quest for Madoc."

It's a play that celebrates the bicentennial of the journey of an explorer named John Evans who traveled from North Wales to the U.S. in 1792 in search of Welsh-speaking Indians.

Alex's mother, Melody Rice, will be among those in the crowd at Cardiff's Chapter Arts Centre in Wales tonight when the cast rings the curtain down on its final performance.

"Alex always showed an inclination towards show business," recalls her mother. "She took dancing lessons at four years old, under Charles Griffith in Chateauguay and Ethel Brunelle in Montreal. Then we moved to Brooklyn, N. Y. where she studied jazz ballet at the Albee School of Dance."

When Alex turned 14, she wanted to go into modeling, her mother recalls. "But I discouraged her because I wanted her to finish school," says Melody Rice.

After Alex graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School in New York, the Rices moved back to
Kahnawake. Alex continued her schooling at Dawson College and Concordia University, where she majored in library science.

"Three years ago she was one of two Kahnawake residents chosen to go to Los Angeles for an MIT modeling convention," her mom says. So she went and soon landed a job working behind the scenes on the Judge Judy television show.

While in California, Alex took acting lessons at Playhouse West. Then she auditioned for a role in "The Quest for Madoc" and was hired for the part of Scattercorn.
Now that the play is closing tonight, what's next on the horizon for Alex Rice?

Her mom is hoping the singing lessons Alex was required to take for "The Quest of Madoc" will stand her in good stead. "It was good experience," says Melody Rice. "She was taught how to use her voice without getting out of breath. She learned the Mizener technique, which is being promoted by (actor) Jeff Goldblum, and it's strenuous work."

In the meantime, Alex will hit the Internet in search of other auditions. "She'll keep pursuing this line of work," says her mother. Before she landed the role in Wales, Alex did commercials, public service announcements on PBS and had a bit part in the Austin Powers movie sequel that stars Saturday Night Live alumnus Mike Myers.

"According to Alex, Mike used to chat with her on the set all the time," says Melody Rice. "He's a nice, friendly guy. One thing that impressed her is that he stayed in character as Austin Powers all day long (even off camera)."

Before Alex gained fame (if not yet fortune), she worked at both The Eastern Door and the Kanien'kehaka Raotitiohkwa Cultural Centre as a summer student. One of her former employers, Editor-in-chief Kenneth Deer of The Eastern Door, was particularly impressed by her research skills.

"Alex is a responsible adult, who is pretty independent and can take care of herself," says her mother. "I don't worry about her as much. Sure, having grandchildren one day has crossed my mind. But right now her career comes first. The rest will happen when she's ready. I let things unfold naturally. I don't talk people into doing things and I never harp on marriage. Anyway, I firmly believe a girl should wait till she's 30 to get married."

Alex's dad, a Native ironworker, died of a heart attack when she was 16.
Melody Rice says her daughter is very health conscious. She does a lot of physical exercise and loves roller-blading and swimming.

"My wish for her is that she be happy to go to work every day," says Alex's mother. "When you've reached that stage, you've won the battle."

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Two Championships in Two Nights
Bantam B's Join Midget B's in Supreme Fashion
By: Al Briand

Hockey's second season commenced in Kahnawake, with ten teams ranging from the Novice A's right through to Midget B's grabbing the spotlight, hoping to win their division to move on to the regionals.

Friday, March 5
The Novice B's took on Mercier in their first game, and lost by a score of 4-3 in a shootout.
Mercier took a 1-0 lead after the first and were up by two, when Parker Jacobs made it a one goal game after two periods.

Kahnawake tied the game, on a freak goal after a Mercier player scored on his own goalie. Justin Horne, who had a bit of the Sydney flu, was credited with being the last Mohawk player to touch the puck.
Then it went into the dreaded shootout, with three skaters aside for each team.

Justin Horne missed and so did the Mercier player.

Warrant Guyer missed, but the Mercier player scored, setting it all up to Terrance Phillips. If he scored, they would continue to shoot, provided the Mercier player after him didn't score.

Phillips beat the goalie, but the Mercier player also scored.

The Midget B's won their first game by a score of 4-1. Onawiio Montour scored on the powerplay, Troy Two-Axe (the same player that was suspended for 12 games for abusing an official earlier in the year) scored on a penalty shot. Timmy Deer also scored.

Saturday, March 6
After giving up only eight goals in the regular season, the Novice C's almost made history by giving up six goals in one game.

The Mohawks led 5-1 after one with Skaronhiahatie Mayo getting a pair (one on the powerplay). Kent Rice and Kallie Diabo got the others.

Then the Mohawks self destructed, giving up four straight goals and tying the game at 5 with two minutes left in the second.

Mayo scored twice before the period was over, putting the home team up 7-5 and would add two more, giving him a double hat-trick in Kahnawake's 9-6 win.

The Novice A's tried to extend their winning streak to two, but were unsuccessful in a 7-0 loss to Ste. Martine.
The Pee-Wee A's were also blanked 5-0 by Chateaguay.

The Pee-Wee B's on the other hand tied Mercier 2-2. The goal scorers that game came from Micheal John McComber and Cody Delormier.

The Novice B's lost their second game by a score of 4-1 forcing them to win their next game against Ste. Martine, or be eliminated from further hockey action.

The Bantam A's played their first game against Mercier and lost 6-1, with Hiio Albany getting the lone goal.
The Atom B's played an entertaining game, but lost 5-3 to Chateauguay. Katsitsakenhiateh Curotte scored a pair, while Teiohonwathe Leborgne got the other.

The Bantam B's completely destroyed Chateauguay 8-1, with captain Bradley Homer getting a pair, with singles going to Lee Ferguson, Jesse Stacey, Gordon Leblanc, Nick Beauvais, Joe Goodleaf and Tanner Rice.
The Midget B's were shut out 3-0 by Ste. Martine.

Sunday, March 7
The Atom A's played their first of two games in the same day, defeating Chateauguay 3-2. Logan Kane grabbed the hat-trick.

The Bantam B's won in a double shoot-out over Chateauguay 4-3, with the game finishing 1-1 after three periods of play. In the first round of the shoot-out, Bradley Homer and Joe Goodleaf scored, but so did the first two Chateauguay players. Chateauguay's third shooter was stopped, and it was all up to Lee Ferguson to take the win, but he was denied.

The second round started with a Chateauguay player missing, but so did Tanner Rice. The next Chateauguay player beat the goalie, but hit the goal post in the process, leaving the door wide open for Gordon Leblanc. He didn't disappoint, winning the game for his team.

The Novice B's had to win their third game to continue on in the playoffs, but they were up against Ste. Martine, a team that lost twice all year long. The Mohawks won the game 2-1, putting the team into the semi finals.
The Pee-Wee A's lost their second game, 5-1 to Chateauguay. Kerry Goodleaf scored the lone goal for the Mohawks.

The Novice C's got back to their fine form, winning their second game 6-0. Skaronhiahatie Mayo got the hat-trick, with singles going to Karonhiokwas Horne, J.R. Imhoff and Kallie Diabo.

The Bantam A's lost a heartbreaking 4-3 decision to Ste. Martine. The game was tied until the final minute of the third period. Owen Snow, Tyler Two-Axe and Joe Frank Thomas scored for the Mohawks.

The Pee-Wee B's are undefeated in the playoffs, getting a 2-1 win over Chateauguay. Jordan Standup and Onawiio Two-Axe got the goals.

The Atom A's played their second game of the day and the score was 3-2, but this time the guys came up on the losing end of things, with Mercier scoring with 55 seconds left in the third. Kahonwase Rice and Tekana'tsase:re White scored for Kahnawake.

The Midget B's bombarded the Chateauguay goaltender with shot after shot after shot, and won the game 3-1. Timmy Deer got the hat-trick for the good guys.

Monday, March 8
Only one game on the agenda, and the Bantam A's took on Chateauguay where they got their first point of the playoffs with a 2-2 tie.

Tuesday, March 9
The Novice A's played their second game against Mercier and lost by a score of 7-0. One highlight from this game was at the beginning of the third period, when Kahnawake came in on a three-on-one, but failed to get the puck in the net.

More games next week !

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