BY: SHANNON BURNS

INDIAN TIME - Vol. 23 #48 - Tsiothohrha / December 1, 2005 Edition - Page 1 & 3

Following a brief investigation at the Canada Customs on Cornwall Island, Labour Affairs Ruled last week that the Customs Agents there don't have an increased risk of being in danger.

The decision was favorable among Akwesasne leaders, but Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Angie Barnes said Tuesday that they are continuing with their own investigation, which is expected to be completed early next week.

"Human rights are being trampled on by a few of the Customs Officers," Barnes said, emphasizing that it is a select number of Officers and not all of them. "We are still investigating and evaluating."

The turmoil began on Nov. 18 when 23-year old Fallon Davis was put through a secondary inspection that included the x-raying of her vehicle. Customs Agents told their superiors that they felt threatened by Davis and a few individuals who stood on the outside of the fence surrounding the Customs property.

Subsequently, the Agents walked off the job and an investigation was ordered.

Barnes believes that the incident was a political move by Customs Agents "for their right to carry firearms."

Canadian Customs workers across the country have walked off the job recently citing a need to carry guns. Barnes believes that Mohawk security guards at the Cornwall Island Customs Port provide the safety workers there might need.

In response to the Labour Canada investigation Ruling, Customs and Excise Union Douanes Accise member Jeff Wylie stated, "I'm not surprised, not in any way, shape or form. Labour Canada has continually Ruled against us. In fact, I'm not sure what it would take for them to Rule in favor of our position. A bullet to someone's head, maybe? I don't know."

To Barnes' knowledge, there has not been a single incident in fifteen years when Customs Officers on Cornwall Island were shot at. Nor has there been an incident during which the building was shot at.

Barnes said that should any charges be pressed against Davis over the incident, she will not have to face the situation alone.