No end in sight yet for closure of Seaway bridge

CORNWALL, Ontario — The closure of the Seaway International Bridge on Cornwall Island is in its second week, with no sign that a solution is on the way.

Though Canadian Mohawk Council of Akwesasne officials have not received any formal invitations to discuss their complaints, their Haudenosauneecompatriots are beginning to show solidarity.

"We have promoted a peaceful solution from the beginning," said Brendan F. White, spokesman for the Mohawk Council, which for months has been protesting the proposal to arm Canadian customs officers. "We're aware there are peace fires across First Nation territories in support of our cause."

In addition to dozens of peace fires, both at Akwesasne and other First Nation territories, the Tyendinaga Mohawk tribe has blockaded a bridge on its territory. The Skyway Bridge, which is approximately 45 mileswest of Toronto and connects the Tyendinaga reservation to Prince Edward County, has been closed since Sunday.

As the Skyway Bridge has been closed, the north span of the Seaway International Bridge, which connects Cornwall Island to the mainland, opened a little more. Since Saturday, the Canadian side is open for non-Indian people who work on the island and those who use Mohawk facilities. Previously, the north span was open only to reservation residents.

The south span, which connects the island to Massena, is open only for Cornwall residents to enter the U.S. No traffic, except emergency vehicles, is allowed to travel north to the island because Canada closed the bridge.

There are no plans to call off the protest, according to Mr. White. Boats have been shuttling food and other supplies across the St. Lawrence River from Massena to the island since last week.

"The amount of support that's out there is incredible," Mr. White said. "Folks at the food drive are collecting not only food but support from local residents and passing drivers. The support has been overwhelming and much appreciated."

The St. Regis Mohawk tribe is protesting the Canadian initiative to arm all of its border officers with 9 mm Beretta handguns. Since the customs building is on tribal land, the Mohawks argue that arming the officers with guns affects Mohawk sovereignty. The presence of guns could inflame an already tense relationship, as there have been several complaints of racial profiling, according to tribal officials.

On May 31, the day before the customs officers were to be armed, approximately 300 Mohawks gathered to protest, prompting the customs officers to leave and the bridge to be shut down.

The tribe will continue to protest until an agreement can be reached. Tribal officials are waiting for a formal invitation to meet with Canadian officials, including Canada Border Service Agency President Stephen Rigby or Public Safety Minister Peter van Loan. Though Mr. Rigby has expressed a willingness to meet, there have been no efforts extended to set up a meeting, according to Mr. White. Mohawk Council officials have discussed the issue with Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff, however.

The Canada Border Service Agency is working internally to find a solution, according to spokeswoman Patrizia Giolti.

"The agency is currently examining the long-term viability of that particular port of entry," Ms. Giolti said in an e-mail. "We are exploring all options, including moving the port of entry."