The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is right when it says an independent investigation is needed to clear the air on the tragic accident on the St. Lawrence River Monday evening.
The only question is who should conduct the investigation?
In Ontario, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) would carry out an independent investigation. But the accident didn't happen in Ontario, or Canada for that matter.
Two men from Akwesasne were seriously injured when their boat and a U.S. Coast Guard craft collided. According to the coast guard, four members of the crew were treated for injuries at Massena Memorial Hospital.
According to witnesses the crash happened about 140 metres from the U.S. mainland.
The U.S. Coast Guard was summoned by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who had attempted to stop the boat for what was described as a "violation."
Police have said little else about the details leading up to the crash.
According to the RCMP, its marine patrol, part of the resurrected Cornwall Regional Task Force, the boat carrying the two men was running at a high speed and without lights. It refused to stop for the police vessel. There is no evidence that the boat was carrying contraband.
The 25-foot U.S. Coast Guard craft was asked by the RCMP to help stop the pursued boat after it crossed into U.S. waters.
A statement released by the MCA just 48 hours after the crash highlighted its concern, and those of Akwesasne residents.
Besides demanding answers, the statement scolded outside law enforcement agencies.
"Outside police agencies should not assume that all Akwesasne residents are engaged in criminal activity," said Kanatakon District Chief Rachel Roundpoint.
It is a sensitive issue for Akwesasne residents who have complained that Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers target them for special attention at the Cornwall Port.
Monday night's accident has put the spotlight back on those claims, and no doubt has soured the relationship between Akwesasne and outside law enforcement, particularly the RCMP.
But before anyone condemns the alleged actions of the police, the facts need to be uncovered so an informed opinion can be made on who was in the wrong.