The chief of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory is asking Haudenosaunee people not to travel to his community for the annual hunting and fishing season.
Chief R. Donald Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte made the request in a letter addressed to Chief Mark Hill on April 9.
“In the efforts to slow the COVID-19 spread and in the best interest of safety for all community members, especially those that are most vulnerable, the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council is kindly requesting that members of our sister nations, Wahta , Oneida, Six Nations, Akwesasne, Kahnawake, and Kanesatake, choose not to come to our community this year for their annual hunting and fishing. Tyendinaga is asking for this courtesy as part of our preventative measures to protect our community from COVID-19 exposure. We need to reduce traffic into and through our community as part of global efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.”
SNGR posted the letter to their social media accounts on April 22.
Spring fishing in Tyendinaga is a yearly activity that sees a lot of travellers entering the community – often hauling in a year’s worth of fish for families.
“We want to thank you for your cooperation at this time and wish all those in your community health and safety as we all strive to protect our communities by practicing social distancing, hand washing, and self isolation. Together and through coordinated action, I believe we will overcome this disease and be able to meet again soon in person,” said Maracle.
