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Dated March 9, the letter was obtained this weekend by the Montreal Gazette.

Opening a new front for TransCanada and politicians to deal with, the letter unabashedly tags the project to move 1.1-million barrels of crude oil a day from Alberta to refineries in Eastern Canada “risky and dangerous” to First Nations and a threat to their lands, waters and very survival.

“Indeed an alliance of indigenous nations, from coast to coast, is being formed against all the pipeline, rail and tanker projects that would make possible the continued expansion of tar sands,” Simon writes.

“One thing for sure, we the Mohawks of Kanesatake will not be brushed aside any longer and we wish to press upon you that we reserve the right to take legal action if necessary to prevent the abuse of our inherent rights.”

Simon does not mention it in his letter but, a year ago, he told the Journal de Montréal that barricades against the pipeline were not excluded even though the preferred option remains dialogue.

There was no immediate reaction from the premier’s office Sunday.

TransCanada spokesperson Tim Duboyce insisted dialogue is still possible despite the tone of the Mohawk letter.

“Our philosophy is to have meaningful and respectful engagement with indigenous communities with regard to Energy East,” Duboyce said in a statement. “We have already held hundreds of meetings with leaders of more than 160 First Nations and Métis communities along the proposed route.