Non-native residents in Kahnawake, Que., have until Thursday to leave the community, after being served eviction notices last week that critics have called racist.
But the band council governing the Mohawk reserve is defending its right to ask non-natives to leave the small community southwest of Montreal.
"While the media has had a field day with this story and some have used the word 'racist,' we will, once again state the issue isn't about anyone's feelings towards non-natives, it is simply an issue of residency and our right to determine who can and cannot live on the 13,000 acres we call home," said Mohawk Chief Michael Delisle Jr. in a recording posted on the band website.
The council issued 26 eviction letters last week requesting that recipients leave the community as soon as possible. Many of the recipients are in relationships with Mohawk residents and came to the council's attention after members of the community complained.
Delisle said the evictions are a matter of enforcing a long-standing custom and their purpose is to protect Mohawk blood-lines.
Critics, including Quebec Native Women president Ellen Gabriel — a Mohawk — said the decision contravenes a long-established tradition within the First Nation of welcoming non-natives to their communities.
The evictions are nothing more than a Mohawk version of colonialism practised against natives for years, Gabriel said in an open letter released earlier this week.
Federal politicians also weighed in on the planned evictions.
Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said he's not comfortable with the decision but won't intervene.
Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said even if the eviction is legal, it's unacceptable.
"It's not the Canadian way. I think it's possible to preserve one's autonomy and one's culture, whatever the group in Canada, without resorting to expulsion.
"I'm asking in a brotherly manner that the band council rethink this, because it is possible to preserve, and I'm in favour of that. It's possible to preserve one's culture and one's autonomy and ensure it is a lively culture without expelling people who have been part of the community for hundreds of years."
As of Wednesday afternoon, three residents targeted for eviction had already left the community.
Three more have asked for more time to make arrangements, and at least two others have met with the council to explain their situations.
The names of people being evicted are not being released.