MCK issues Education update

10/16/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community about its activities in resolving community concerns regarding Education.

MCK is continuing in its efforts to work jointly with the Kahnawake Combined Schools Committee (KCSC) to resolve issues facing Kahnawà:ke’s education system. A Working Group has been created to address the concerns and, additionally, to plan for a Community General Assembly on Education, which will assist in re-instituting the authority of the people to mandate and affirm a process and guide for the rebuilding of a constitution on education governance.

The Working Group is scheduled to meet tomorrow (Wednesday) evening. Agenda items include, 1) Definition and finalization of co-management of the Working Group, 2) Re-affirmation of temporary position of General Manager of Education, 3) Independent Investigation, 4) Workplan 

The draft Workplan, which the MCK presented last week, will be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting and will set the stage for future discussions.

The Working Group consists of Chiefs Rhonda Kirby, Bobby Patton and Christine Zachary-Deom (representing the MCK), with Treena Delisle, Bryan Deer, Wayne Delormier and Fawn Deer representing the KCSC. Several meetings have already taken place.

“We need to make certain that we have ironclad processes in place that will guarantee community control of Kahnawà:ke education,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “While it has been difficult and time-consuming, we are committed to finding a solution that is not just acceptable but, rather, one that will work in the long term. When we work together, we can accomplish great things.”