MCK announces plans regarding Membership

05/20/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced today that it is currently engaging in internal discussions to formulate plans regarding the issue of Membership.

Among the initiatives announced, the MCK will consider reissuing a Community Notice regarding the law as confirmation that Chief and Council remain in strong support of the law and that those in contravention of the residency requirements of the Kahnawà:ke Membership Law should govern themselves accordingly.

Additionally, Chief and Council will make information available regarding the history of Membership, including how the community has been affected by the imposition of the Indian Act in 1876. The information will be made available in the form of user-friendly video presentations and will be broadcast on Paul’s Cable.

“There has been a lack of consistent activity on the issue between the MCK, community and families,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “While much of that has been because of the lawsuit, we realize that the community is demanding more from the leadership in terms of action, especially in light of recent incidents. Therefore, the entire Council has made this renewed effort a top priority.”

As these internal priority discussions are still underway, more information is forthcoming.

“There is no doubt that we will need to re-engage with the community,” Grand Chief Delisle concluded. “It’s clear that, after 33-plus years, there is no quick solution at hand. But that’s no reason to stop working together to ensure the community’s will is respected. And it needs to be accomplished in a manner that is respectful and peaceful.”