MCK proposes creation of Kahnawake law to counter contentious federal legislation

04/30/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to reiterate its strong opposition to federal legislation being pushed ahead by the Conservative government that will affect land use on reserves. The Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (known as S-2) is expected to formally become law in the near future and will be imposed on communities that don’t have their own laws to counter it.

“The Federal government is creating legislation that is absolutely and completely unacceptable,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle Jr.  “S-2 will only complicate issues by granting Provincial courts the jurisdiction to rule on applications made regarding land ownership on reserves, once again eroding Canada’s responsibilities.”

“Since this topic was introduced in 2007, the government has failed or refused to listen to the voices of First Nations stakeholders,” he concluded. “Once again, the Harper Conservatives are steamrolling ahead, which clearly highlights the paternalistic approach by dictating how we run our affairs on our own lands.”

The MCK will be making a formal request to the Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission to begin the development of a Kahnawà:ke law using the Community Decision Making Process to take full consideration of the community’s will and direction in this urgent matter.