Bringing Border Security and Mohawk Culture Back Together? Akwesasne, between Aboriginal Sovereignty and National Security

Laetitia Rouviere | BIG Research Reports | #84

Based on the case of the Mohawk territory of Akwesasne located between Ontario and New York State, this papers aims to analyze the links between the affirmation of cultural specificities and the implementation of security policies on borderlands. Its focus extends beyond political conflicts over border issuesto include the way in which aboriginal sovereignty is affirmed within processes of negotiation and cooperation in the matters of identification requirements, border agents’ cultural sensitivity and law enforcement. We find that the enhancement of border security can paradoxically be a political opportunity for local leaders to reaffirm indigenous sovereignty; this reaffirmation through cooperation is at the same timebecoming a key factor in the implementation of border security policies.

Laetitia Rouviere