MCK reiterates Kahnawake position in relation to Judicial Review request

02/12/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform community members that it has responded to the First Nations Education Council (FNEC) to give direction on the proceedings for a Judicial Review that was undertaken by the FNEC last year in regard to Canada’s then-proposed First Nations Education Act.

The MCK has taken the opportunity to review the request for decision addressed to the FNEC chiefs (including MCK). In contemplating a decision, the MCK would like to assure the community that its response would respect the Kahnawà:ke position on federal education legislation as fundamental to any direction taken in the matter.

“Due to the very tight deadline (this Friday, February 13, 2015) we felt we had to respond on behalf of the Kahnawà:ke stakeholders to protect our collective position on education,” said Education Portfolio Chief Rhonda Kirby. “We are in contact with the Education Center and the Combined Schools Committee to advise them on the request and the matter at hand. We also want to reassure the community that we are diligent in following the Kahnawà:ke position to the letter.”

In terms of the response itself, we agree with certain FNEC recommendations, such as suspending the proceedings of the Judicial Review,” Chief Kirby added. “However, we strongly object with some recommendations in the request.”

“We have concerns that the federal government could be taking a funding-based approach to continue to advance the original education legislation reform objectives,” concluded Chief Kirby. “This is not a time to be hasty.” 

The MCK will continue to inform the community on this issue as matters arise.