MCK formally approves Code of Conduct for Council Chiefs

06/15/2021

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that the Code of Conduct for Council Chiefs (�Code of Conduct�) was formally approved at yesterday�s duly-convened Council meeting.

The adoption of this document addresses a substantial gap in the MCK�s governance framework, and completes a process that started internally at the MCK in 2010 but had lain dormant for several years. This changed when, as part of the MCK Governance Project, Kahnawa�kehr�:non were consulted from January through June 2020 for their views on accountability and transparency in a series of public engagements.

The results of this process culminated in a final Governance Report in December 2020. This document summarized the community feedback on the political governance of the MCK and, more specifically, the Council of Chiefs (Ratits�nhaienhs).

A prominent theme was Kahnawa�kehr�:non expressing the need for a document to serve as the basis of accountability for the Ratits�nhaienhs. In response to this feedback, the formal adoption of the Code of Conduct was identified as a top priority. The Governance Portfolio team was tasked with developing the document to govern the Ratits�nhaienhs in their professional and personal behavior as Council Chiefs. Once completed, a second round of community engagements was held in April 2021. The final draft was then submitted for formal approval, which passed by consensus today.

The Ratits�nhaienhs have directed that the application of the Code of Conduct takes effect immediately.

�The acceptance of this document is a milestone for good governance in Kahnaw�:ke,� said Gerald Taiaiake Alfred, the Manager of the MCK Governance Project. �This Code addresses the concerns that community members identified as their priority. It is a state-of-the-art policy that gives the community a strong tool for holding the Ratits�nhaienhs accountable. In turn, it provides the Ratits�nhaienhs themselves with a clear guide on how to ensure that they meet the high expectations Kahnawa�kehr�:non have for their leaders.�

The Code of Conduct can be viewed by clicking here.