Military Helicopters Fly Over Kahnawake
Written by Paul Graif on 21 October 2020
The Canadian military conducted a training exercise out of St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu last night. Several helicopters flew low over Kahnawake at about 10:30 pm. They also overflew several other communities. Armed Forces Public Relations Officer, Captain Ian Grant telling K1037 news that it was part of routine training. In a public service announcement that was sent to our newsroom this morning, the military stated: “This training will involve CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook aircrafts. Residents can expect to see and hear helicopters performing multiple flights and may experience periods of increased noise. Military weapons will be present. Any use of simulated ammunition during training will be done in accordance with Canadian Armed Forces safety measures.”
“The MCK was not aware of the exercise prior to it occurring and we weren’t informed prior to it taking place either,” said Mohawk Council of Kahnawake Spokesperson Joe Delaronde. “We did become aware when they flew over, like everyone else. Then we began doing our research. We know now what took place and are trying to find out whey we weren’t informed.”
Delaronde says the mistake by the Canadian military is inexcusable.
“The military can’t feign ignorance. There’s always a sensitivity here. They really need to do a better job of communicating and maybe planning their flight plans because there’s no need to get people upset and that’s all it did,” he said.
