Torch relay to continue on Quebec reserve without RCMP escorts

MONTREAL -- The Olympic torch run will pass through a Quebec reserve despite an earlier threat by the Mohawk Nation to stop RCMP escorts from entering their territory.

The Mohawk Nation at Kahnawake issued a statement last week saying it would allow the torch to be carried through the reserve Monday but its peacekeepers would bar the RCMP escorts.

"The RCMP has no jurisdiction in our territory," said Lynne Norton, assistant secretary in Kahnawake of the Six Nation Iroquois Confederacy.

It was unclear at the time whether the Vancouver 2010 torch run committee would reroute the relay, or allow Mohawk peacekeepers to act as escorts.

Ms. Norton said she received confirmation in writing Sunday that Mohawk peacekeepers would act as escorts.

However, there may still be protests. The Mohawk Traditional Council said it will organize a peaceful protest of the torch.

Ms. Norton said many First Nations people are upset the International Olympic Committee doesn't recognize the Haudenosaunee Iroquois Confederacy, which includes the Mohawks, as an independent nation.

She said she's glad the torch relay committee has understood the wishes of the Mohawk Nation.

"We worked all week to keep this peaceful," she said. "I think we did it. They listened to our issues."

The Kahnawake reserve is located just south of Montreal.