Mohawk Council of Kahnawake opposes Quebec�s Bill 85

08/15/2017

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the public that it is advising the government of Quebec of its opposition to Bill 85, proposed legislation to fast track economic development along a corridor that includes Autoroute 30.

At a press conference held in Quebec City, Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton made it clear that the MCK and the community are tired of inaction, broken promises and disregard of Kahnaw�:ke�s interests by the provincial government. Wendake Chief Konrad Sioui of the Huron-Wendat Nation welcomed the Mohawk delegation to the Huron-Wendat territory, while Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador Regional Chief Ghislain Picard spoke in support of the MCK�s position and actions to oppose the bill.

Additionally, Grand Chief Norton announced that he would be presenting a Mohawks of Kahnaw�:ke Position Paper on Bill 85 to the Committee on Planning and the Public Domain at 6:30 this evening at the National Assembly.

Last week he sent an open letter to Premier Phillip Couillard over concerns with the proposed legislation. Lands identified in the Bill cut through the heart of the Seigneury of Sault St. Louis lands and over lands to which Kahnaw�:ke holds title.

The letter states, �If the government of Quebec adopts Bill 85 in its present form, it will have immediate and irreparable consequences on the rights, interests and title of the Mohawks of Kahnaw�:ke. The lack of consultation and existing approach of the government of Quebec with respect to Bill 85 is callous and an absolute disregard for the constitutionally protected rights of the Mohawk of Kahnaw�:ke.�

The letter continues, �We have remained stoic in the face of such an injustice but frustrations are growing. We can no longer remain stoic; we must take a more vocal and stronger presence to ensure we are not ignored.�

The letter, as well as the Mohawks of Kahnaw�:ke Position Paper on Bill 85, can be viewed in its entirety at www.kahnawake.com.