Community’s Help Sought Protecting Tribal Assets

Aug 1, 2016

Forestry Program Vehicle Subject of Criminal Mischief

Akwesasne, NY — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is asking for the community’s help in safeguarding tribal assets for the ongoing enjoyment and benefit of community members. The request for the community’s cooperation is the result of recent damage to a vehicle belonging to the Environment Division’s Forestry Program.

Approximately three weeks ago, a Jeep Compass belonging to the Forestry Program was the subject of criminal mischief. According to environment staff, the tribal vehicle was parked at a work site on Conners Road, while tribal staff assisted a community member.

“We struggle to identify funds to keep the program available to the community,” said Environment Division Director Ken Jock.” He noted, “As a result of the criminal mischief someone will be left unserved.”

Upon completing the community service call in Frogtown, the Forestry Program staff returned to the vehicle and discovered it had been “keyed”—causing approximately $2,000 in damage to the body. The impact on the program is that the repairs will have to be made using program funds, which were initially intended to assist the community.

“This is a loss to those we are serving as the repair dollars will come from the Forestry Program,” stated Environment Division Assistant Director Les Benedict. He added, “This results in less funds to assist elders and disabled with tree removal, brush chipping and other services.”

Anyone with information about the above incident is asked to contact the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police at (518) 358-9200 or the Tribe’s Environment Division at (518) 358-5937.

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.