Statistics released regarding additions of newly-recognized Community members

03/24/2021

The Office of the Kahnawà:ke Kanien’kehá:ka Registry wishes to inform the community on statistical information regarding some of its activities since August 2019.

Since that time, the Registrar has been making decisions related to applications for Recognition on the Kahnawà:ke Kanien’kehá:ka Registry (KKR), in accordance with the Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke Law, which was enacted on 3, Ohiarikó:wa/July 2018 (formerly the Membership Law).

All additions to the KKR possess a minimum of four (4) eligible great-grandparents, with a minimum of two (2) Kanien’kehá:ka great-grandparents.

The following are the statistics up to the end of January 2021:

• 111 people have been added to the KKR
• This number includes 67 adults and 44 children

The list can be accessed by clicking the link here.

“We are very pleased that our People have been able to apply and get their Recognition as Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke,” said Ietsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. “Many have waited patiently for years while the Community went through an extensive revision of our law through the Community Decision Making Process.

“It is also important for mothers of new babies to also apply for your children,” she added. “The process through Canada and getting an Indian Status Card is NOT our process. We have our own law and list, which should be paramount to the Indian Act. Not applying can impact their eligibility for services in community, so it is encouraged for you to do so.”

“The Community Decision Making Process developed the Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke Law as it exists today," said Melanie Gilbert, KKR Registrar. "It’s a law made by the people to determine who we recognize, not through Indian Affairs Canada. It’s been an honor to welcome our own on the Kahnawake Kanien’kehá:ka Registry, it’s been a long time coming.”