The Six Nations Elected Council released a statement regarding the unsanctioned Lights Festival that took place on Six Nations territory on Saturday, Aug. 20, in the vicinity of Fourth Line and Hwy 6.

Council says the event took place without prior consultation with the Elected Council, the Six Nations Fire Department or Six Nations Police. 

The event, which included the launch of fire-powered lanterns, generated concern among community members due to the number of attendees and the potential fire hazard. 

Six Nations Elected Council sent a letter to event organizers on Aug. 16 to informing them that the release of lanterns on the territory was not authorized.

However, thousands of people showed up for the event last Saturday, which resulted in traffic congestion, road closures, trespassing and property damage. In addition, there was a reported risk to pedestrians who parked their cars along the side of the road. 

Six Nations Police were on hand to direct traffic and asked event organizers not to light the lanterns due to fire safety concerns but some lanterns were lit by unknown individuals in violation of health and safety directives. 

As the Six Nations territory is the largest strand of Carolinian Forest in the country, the situation presented a potentially substantial fire and environmental threat.

Elected Chief Mark Hill attended the event on Saturday to speak with event organizers and address community concerns.

“It is unacceptable that outside organizations think they can exploit our sovereignty for their own benefit by hosting events on the territory that have little to no benefit to our community. Six Nations and its residents deserve respect from visitors to the territory, as well as from our own community members,” Hill said.

“This unsanctioned event represents a callous disregard for the safety and wellbeing of the people of Six Nations,” he added.

The Six Nations police is seeking the public’s help in identifying those responsible.

Listen to the CKRZ update below: