Preserving our values, our trees and The Pines is crucial for both communities!

• Pascal Quevillon, Mayor of Oka
• Serge Otsi Simon, Kanesatake Grand Chief

OKA – KANESATAKE, QC, July 10, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Oka mayor Pascal Quevillon and Kanesatake Grand Chief Serge Otsi Simon have declared, by mutual agreement, that their respective council members have entered into discussions intended to preserve and conserve the forest identified as falling within the present-day Oka Pines perimeter. With the support of both sets of elected representatives, our two communities wish to hold a dialogue that will help ensure that we safeguard this territory's heritage. Protecting our environment and showcasing the history of our communities will remain a priority for both parties. As such, we want to ensure the longevity of this resource, stressed both leaders by mutual agreement.

25 years later, a shared approach to preserving The Pines

Our communities are aware that protecting and showcasing our heritage are contingent on improved dialogue, exchanges and communication of our common needs. In order to move forward, the leaders of Oka and Kanesatake held two meetings in the past few weeks. We favour a flexible, responsible approach that's intended to maintain harmony and good relations between our communities, stressed the Grand Chief of Kanesatake and the mayor of Oka.

As we mark the 25^th anniversary of the Oka crisis, we need to make sure that the circumstances underlying past events do not recur. We want to turn the page and ensure that our communities develop in harmony, while respecting each other's values. We are committed to maintaining a positive, constructive dialogue, concluded Oka mayor Pascal Quevillon and Kanesatake Grand Chief, Serge Otsi Simon.

SOURCE Municipalité d'Oka

Richard Bélisle, 514 992-9782, [email protected], [email protected]