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In early May, Terri and Marvin McComber, another mixed couple, had their home vandalized. The couple’s house and car were spray painted. Signs placed near their home said: “Marry out get out” and “Mohawk land for Mohawks.”

Similar signs have been hung around the reserve all month.

The McCombers, like other mixed native and non-native couples who have moved in together in the community since 1981, received a letter in the fall from a group of residents informing them they were in violation of the law.

The law, which is largely supported in the community, is in place to prevent assimilation and protect the community’s identity and land.

The McCombers and other couples were told they had to leave the community by May 1.

In 2010, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake mailed eviction letters to 30 households.

Last year, residents sued the council, saying they’ve been targets of harassment and intimidation because of the law and that the council hasn’t done enough to stop it.

Seven people were initially part of the original lawsuit, and nine more joined this year.

They argued the policy violates the Canadian and Quebec charters of rights, and are asking the courts to rule it as unconstitutional.