As Mohawk Nation Citizens, it has always been the position of the People of the Longhouse that we are not tax collectors for any foreign governments. We have never relinquished our absolute sovereignty over our territory nor have we ever given Canada or Quebec the authority to impose taxation within our territories.

The Mohawk Nation derives its absolute sovereignty, authority and jurisdiction over its territory from aboriginal occupation, autonomy and a duly constituted government dating back several centuries before the coming of the Europeans. Therefore it is illegal to collect taxes for the Quebec Government. Our collective rights have been violated by the actions of one member of the community of Kahnawake. In an article in The Montreal Gazette dated May 26, 1998, about an Extreme Fighting match to be held on May 30, 1998, it was stated that taxes would be charged on tickets sold for this event. These taxes would then be "turned over to the government" as stated by Michael Thomas, a Kahnawake resident and promoter of the event.

Ghyslain Laflamme, president of the Regie des Alcools, des Courses et des Jeux characterizes this agreement as "historic". In all respects this is historic, it's the first time any Mohawk agreed to collect taxes for Quebec on an event held in Kahnawake. The actions of one individual seeking personal financial gain will have far-reaching effects on all of us. It is time to remember that we must think of seven generations into the future. Our actions affect the future generations of Kahnawakeronon. It is time to state once again that we must be vigilant at all times to stop the encroachment of taxation on our territory. The time is now! The future of all our children is at stake.

A boycott of this event will clearly show where you stand with regards to taxation on our territory.

Passed in The Peoples Council at Kahnawake
May 27, 1998

Mohawk Nation Office - Kahnawake Branch
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