KAHNAWAKE, Que. - Cheering schoolchildren holding paper torches greeted the Olympic flame as it passed through a Mohawk reserve on Tuesday.

Hundreds lined the streets of Kahnawake as former gold medallist Alwyn Morris carried the Olympic torch after it was carefully lit from a small lantern.

It was 25 years ago that Morris, a local hero, won gold and bronze medals for canoeing at the Los Angeles Olympics.

"What a great thing to rekindle the (Olympic) spirit in the community and give some hope and dreams to some very young people here who may want to follow in those footsteps," he said.

Morris told reporters the Mohawk community is misunderstood by Canadians and has been given "some very unappealing stereotypes."

"I represented Canada at those Olympic Games, it didn't take away anything away from Canada. I'm also a Mohawk and that's not something to be afraid of," he said.

"This is something about bringing people together, not separating people."

While 500 people cheered from the sidelines during the flame's noon-hour appearance, the event took place amid controversy.

The RCMP was not welcome on the territory and, after negotiations, the torch was escorted by a small group of native peacekeepers.

Grand Chief Mike Delisle Jr. noted that the Mohawks have had "a long, storied, sometimes troubled history" with the Mounties.

"They've raided our community in the past for what is considered illegal and contraband tobacco," he said.

Delisle admitted the controversy may have "put a bit of a damper" on as the torch made its way through the community.

"But, by the faces of the kids today, I doubt it," he added.

The head of the Mohawk band council called the flame "a beacon of hope."

"That's what the flame is supposed to represent -- brotherhood and peace. Peace is part of our foundation and part of our founding principles."

A handful of natives staged a demonstration and carried large white banners that declared the Olympic torch was not welcome in the community, just south of Montreal.

One of the banners read: "Remove the Poison, Remove the Torch."