Quebec Agrees to Return of Lands, Names Negotiator for Seigneury

06/02/2008

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke announced that it has received a letter from Quebec signifying that it has formally agreed to repatriate 700 acres of land to Kahnaw�:ke as the first step in becoming involved in negotiations on the Seigneury of Sault St. Louis grievance.

Additionally, it was announced on Friday evening (30, Onerahtohk�:wa/May) that Quebec has appointed John Parisella as the provincial negotiator for the Seigneury.

�This has huge significance,� said Grand Chief Michael Ahr�hrhon Delisle, Jr. �While Canada and Kahnaw�:ke have been in formal Seigneury negotiations since 2005 Quebec has, until now, been reluctant to participate. This has now changed.�

�We�ve been discussing the return of lands and enlarging Kahnaw�:ke�s footprint for many years,� he added.

�We�re finally sitting down with both levels of government to get down to the business of settling our grievances and addressing the issue of return of land.�

Chief Delisle is expected to speak with Mr. Parisella in the next few days to establish a relationship.

Chief Delisle was a guest on the K103 Morning Talk Show with News Anchor Dino Sisto. To listen to the interview, visit the main page of Kahnawake.com.