Province passes decree to return lands to Kahnawake

05/16/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is pleased to inform the community that the Quebec Government passed a decree on Wednesday, May 15th to officially transfer 500 acres of land to the Territory of Kahnawà:ke. The transfer is in exchange for lands taken for the expansion of Highway 30 in 2008 within the Seigneury of Sault St. Louis land grievance.
 
"We are pleased to inform our community that the Provincial government yesterday passed an official decree in the National Assembly transferring 500 acres of land to Kahnawà:ke" said Grand Chief Mike Delisle Jr. "This is the result of negotiation that took place in 2008 during the Highway 30 construction as compensation for the footprint of that infrastructure."
 
The land, contiguous to Kahnawà:ke north of Highway 30, was officially in the hands of the Ministère des Transport du Quebec before the transfer. As part of the Additions To Reserve process, the Province officially transfers the land to the Federal Government who will formally designate it to the Territory of Kahnawà:ke.
 
The agreement was to exchange 700 acres – the actual amount of land used in the Highway 30 expansion. Additional lands will be identified at a later date.
 
"It is an historic moment for Kahnawà:ke, finally seeing our land base increase," continued the Grand Chief. "Niá:wen kowa for the support and all the efforts in achieving this goal. More to come!"