Possible changes to Kahnawake Canada Relations process as sides meet today

04/18/2017

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to advise the community that Ratitsénhaienhs Joseph Tokwiro Norton, Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer and Clinton Phillips are in Gatineau (Ottawa) today to meet with Indigenous & Northern Affairs Canada representatives regarding potential changes to the Kahnawà:ke/Canada Relations Process that could result in more flexibility in addressing governance matters. 

The Ratitsénhaienhs will be accompanied by Chief Political Advisor Winona Polson-Lahache. The federal team will include Joe Wild, Indigenous & Northern Affairs Senior Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for Treaties & Aboriginal Government, and Sylvain Ouellette, who is the Treaties & Aboriginal Government Director General.

The Kahnawà:ke/Canada Relations Process began when a Memorandum of Understanding between the MCK and the Federal government was signed on February 16, 2012 as a means of developing approaches and solutions for Lands Management and Membership. The original Memorandum of Understanding term was for three years. This was extended in 2015 and is set to expire in 2018.

“There seems to be willingness to find a better way to address our areas of concern,” said Grand Chief Norton. “The process is now five years old and, while it has been a good forum, it is clear to both sides that we need to shake things up a bit and be more creative in order to be more effective and, hopefully, get better results.”