Self-proclaimed Mikinak tribe not associated with Akwesasne – use of Kana:takon address as “home base” unwarranted.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) says it continues to disapprove of the “Mikinak Tribe” — a self-identified group based out of Beauharnois, whose membership cost $80 and is open to those who can provide genealogical evidence of at least one aboriginal ancestor at some point in the past.

The MCA shared their concerns in a recent press release which references events in which they disapprove, leading all the way back to July 2016.

Recently, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne was informed that the “home base” and official address the Mikinak is utilizing is traced to Akwesasne, in the District of Kana:takon.

District Chief of Kana:takon, Steve Thomas says, “the idea that they are using an address in Kana:takon is disconcerting and unwarranted.” He also stated that, “the MCA is in agreement with the Mohawk councils of Kahnawa:ke and Kanesatake, in that the Mikinak’s are using illegal ‘Status Cards’ for unwarranted tax exempt usage.”

One of the leaders of the Mikinak Tribe, Guillaume Carle, who identifies himself as the National Grand Chief and National Spiritual Elder of the Confederation of Aboriginal People of Canada, — has referenced on more than one occasion, his connection to the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory during a series of interviews with media.

During a radio interview in July 2016 with the K103 Partyline Talkshow, Guillaume Carle said that he was “a warrior from Akwesasne,” and that he had “approached Akwesasne,” and is “working together (with Akwesasne).” Additionally, in a June 2016 interview with APTN, there is a nameplate that clearly displays Grand Chief of Akwesasne during a “Mikinak Tribe” meeting.

MCA Grand Chief Abram Benedict reaffirms that “the Mikinak tribe has never approached the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. They are not based here, nor do we have any affiliation with them. This self-identified group seems to be claiming to be a Status Indian in order for tax exemption and money-driven motives. This group is only trying to benefit themselves-not true First Nations people.”

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada noted in a June 2016 APTN interview “while these cards convey membership to an organization, they do not convey Indian Status”.

The Mikinak nation nor its claims to ‘privileges’ are recognized by the federal government, and the group has been called a fraud by several First Nations leaders. They formed in January 2016.

MCA says they will be filing a complaint with Industry Canada regarding the unauthorized use of their territorial address.

By: Regan Jacobs

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