MCK gauging community opinions on Land Purchases

01/22/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is inviting community members to participate in an informal consultation regarding Land Purchases that will continue on Friday, January 24th, and Friday, January 31st. On those dates, Nitsénhaienhs Gina Deer or Clinton Phillips will be hosting a Chiefs Kiosk in the Services Complex lobby from 12:30pm to 4pm both days. Ratsénhaienhs Phillips hosted the first kiosk on Friday, January 17th.

“We’re doing this to gauge public opinion on land acquisitions by the MCK,” said Ratsénhaienhs Phillips, who is the lead on the Lands & Territories Portfolio. “The MCK has been approached to purchase land on a number of occasions recently, both internally and outside the Territory. At the Council meeting of January 13th, Gina and I were directed to see how community members feel about this topic.”

“As the amount of Common land decreases we have to explore every option possible to ensure our future needs are addressed,” said Ietsénhaienhs Deer, who is also a member of the Lands & Territories Portfolio team. “While we have some ideas, it’s important to hear from Kahnawa’kehró:non as they bring forth their ideas, questions and concerns.”

“The beauty of this informal Kiosk is that people can give their opinions in a minute or two,” concluded Ratsénhaienhs Phillips. “For those who have more to say, we will be more than happy to accommodate them.”

If it is deemed necessary, a more formal process could be developed in the future.

Click here to view Nitsénhaienhs Deer and Phillips on K1037’s Tetewathá:ren speaking on the subject.