Three Chiefs attending AFNQL meeting on changes to Indian Act

09/08/2016

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform the community that Ratitsénhaienhs Christine Zachary-Deom, Arlene Jacobs and Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer are in Montreal today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) to attend the special Assembly of First Nations of Quebec & Labrador meeting to discuss the Descheneaux Decision of the Quebec Superior Court.

According to the AFNQL’s memo to the Chiefs, the Descheneaux Decision and successive amendments of the past thirty years to the Indian Act on Indian Status, along with the recent Daniels Decision by the Supreme Court of Canada on the “Non-Status Indians and Metis” equally have – and will have – a definite impact on First Nations. Included in this context is the emergence of self-proclaimed and claimant “Aboriginal” groups. Representatives from Indigenous Affairs & Northern Development Canada will be in attendance to share their views on how the federal government intends to respond to the Descheneaux Decision.

While the three Chiefs will be in attendance, Ietsénhaienhs Sky-Deer will read a statement indicating that the MCK will not formally participate, as it is concerned that the federal government may consider participation in this forum as ‘consultation.’

Please note that the stance of the MCK is that only Kahnawà:ke will determine its own Membership, not any other entity or government. This stance appears to be reiterated in the AFNQL’s memo, which states that, “The composition of our Nations and membership criteria are issues which, first and foremost, fall under the responsibilities of our Nations’ governments.” Therefore, the MCK is in agreement with it.