The Kahnawà:ke Education Center (KEC) would like to provide parents and community members with an update regarding environmental testing at Kahnawà:ke Survival School (KSS).

Following the June communique regarding recent soil testing, we can confirm that all soil samples met applicable environmental standards as verified by an independent environmental consultant. While detectable amounts of lead were registered, the soil samples all fall within Class A/Class B levels which align with agricultural and residential standards. The KEC soil testing results were also consistent with the most recent soil testing conducted by the Kahnawake Environmental Protection Office (KEPO).

In addition to soil testing, KEPO has also completed preliminary air quality monitoring across various locations along the eastern boundary of Kahnawà:ke, including both KSS’s old and current sites. Using a Coriolis air sampler, measurable concentrations of airborne lead were detected in one sample. KEC recognizes that community members may have questions and concerns, however, the available data represents a short-term sampling event and cannot be viewed as a complete assessment of air quality. The sample was collected during a period when the wind was blowing toward the community, and initial findings indicate that results vary based on wind direction. KEPO has advised us that that air generally moves away from the community approximately 80% of the time and toward the community approximately 20% of the time. As a result, the preliminary findings provide a partial snapshot of conditions and must be considered alongside the longer-term monitoring results currently under review.

More comprehensive, long-term air quality monitoring at KSS has been completed by KEPO over the course of a 2-month period, and we are currently awaiting those results. These findings will provide a clearer understanding of air quality conditions over time and will help inform next steps. While we wait for these completed results, KEC and KSS will be forming a working group to explore what immediate precautionary measures can or should be taken.

KEC remains committed to a proactive approach to environmental monitoring and meeting minimum standards is not the endpoint of our work. Environmental testing will continue to be reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to identify opportunities for improvement and to ensure informed decisions are based on the best available information.

The KEC will continue to engage MCK, KEPO and other environmental professionals while providing families and the community with ongoing updates and transparent communication. Additional updates will be shared as information becomes available, and opportunities for community feedback and discussion will be provided through information-sharing sessions.

For more information, please contact:

KEC Communications
[email protected]
450-632-8770