Kahnawake ends COVID state of emergency, now in ‘recovery phase’

After being in a state of emergency since December in Kahnawake, they’re now in a ‘recovery phase.’

The Mohawk community, 16 kilometres west of Montreal, says the COVID-19 situation no longer warrants stricter measures.

“We’re well aware of the mental fatigue that restrictions and measures have placed on our community members,” said Ryan Montour, the public safety portfolio chief of Kahnawake.

Kahnawake has opened most industries at full capacity, including places of worship and restaurants. As of Monday, the vaccine passport won’t legally be required there either.

The Kahnawà:ke Public Safety Commission adds that it’ll be up to individual businesses, “should they prefer to continue using proof of vaccination as an option to help safeguard their employees and clientele.”

“What that state of normalcy looks like, the world doesn’t know. We don’t know. But essentially, it’s going to be how we learn to live with the virus. You know, stop living in fear,” said Montour.

The community has seen a steady decline throughout February, according to Lloyd Phillips, the commissioner of public safety for Kahnawake.

“We’ve been monitoring the situation overall, as best we can, to get a sense where things are headed and all signs are pointing in and very positive direction,” explained Phillips.

Back on Dec. 21, 2021, Kahnawake was placed on ‘red alert,’ as COVID cases spiked everywhere.

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Phillips says now is the right time to let people come together.

“A lot more social interactions within homes and private homes to allow for families to get together in a safe way, but in a meaningful way, because you know we have a different population in Kahnawake. All our families are very close by and close knit. And to have somebody live just down the street and not being able to visit them in a meaningful way for an extended period of time has impacts.”

The easing of restrictions in Kahnawake closely follows the measures being lifted by the Quebec government – almost all by March 14.

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With health and safety still a priority, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is confident they are addressing the pandemic in a manner that meets the ways of the community.

“We’re looking to unite our community again and heal together. Then let’s try and move on from this pandemic,” said Montour. “Obviously, the pandemic is still here, but moving forward together, that’s what I would say to our community and what we have done.”