Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe & Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Declare State of Emergency

Mar 16, 2020

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) hereby declare a State of Emergency for the community of Akwesasne due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.

In accordance with the Akwesasne Joint Emergency Operations Plan (AJEOP), both governmental entities will coordinate efforts and call upon external resources, as necessary, to protect the health, safety, and well-being of our community.

In response to the declared State of Emergency, an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at both the SRMT and MCA. Contact information for both centers will be forthcoming.

The Coronavirus has yet to be adequately contained. National, Provincial, State and local health officials have encouraged measures including COVID-19 prevention, response plans, and declaration of public health emergencies.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne states, “Declaring an emergency is necessary as it allows our staff to implement their emergency plans and for MCA to access emergency funding that becomes available. We continue to recommend that the community remains calm and diligent in protecting our elders and vulnerable from illness.”

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council states, “With concern increasing about the global COVID-19 Pandemic, we want to assure community members that both of our organization’s lead health and emergency response professionals are working closely together to ensure the ongoing health and safety of all Akwesasronon. Our governmental operations are taking every preventive measure necessary in response to this rapidly changing situation. We encourage community members to please stay informed of developments and to follow all precautionary steps that are being provided.”

The State of Emergency will continue until such time that the COVID-19 Pandemic no longer poses a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the Akwesasne community.

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