In “Akwesasne: Mohawk Mothers’ Milk and PCB’s” the adversity between the nation and General Motors is explained. I might have been naïve to this type of behavior before, but I was really shocked to find out all the pollution and damage GM has contributed to Mohawk land, water and people. It’s flat out sad that a company can be so inconsiderate. Yet, the fact of the matter is that this type of behavior goes on and drastic changes need to be made to voice Native concerns.
The Mohawk people have lived on the eastern part of the continent for many generations. Communities were established scattered over 14 million acres across the US and Canadian border. The lands were eventually ceded by American leaders such as George Washington through force and deceit, until only around 14,000 acres remained. Like many Natives have been accustomed to throughout time, they had to adapt to survive economically. During this time, although difficult, the Mohawk pride themselves on staying true to their culture and way of life. Yet, with industry taking over this was not an easy task. Pollution problems have taken over the community and as a result land is devastated. Until 1978 when PCB’s were banned, virtually all PCB’s polluted the air, water, vegetation, and animal life. Again, I am saddened for what these people have to go through as a result of big time companies disrespecting others for money. I agree that accommodations have to be made for future generations and the health and safety of Akwesasne people.
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What I find saddest if all is the fact that these facts did not shock me as much as I felt they should. Big business is just the latest version of the expanding power of human greed that we used to call colonialism. I guess the older I get the less atrocities shock me. All I can do is shake my head sadly and continue to support the little guy. I see the American Car companies all dying out anyway and I feel it is Karma doing its job. As the big boys become more and more childish in their pursuit of greed and instant gratification, they dig a hole and bury themselves in it.
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