Kanawaki Lease Agreement finalized

12/16/2021

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to advise the community that the lease extension agreement has been signed with the Kanawaki Golf Club and Indigenous Services Canada.

Last year, the Kanawaki Golf Club had exercised its option to renew the lease for an additional 25 years (as per the original Lease, meaning the parties could only negotiate the rent amount, failing which the matter would have to be decided by a panel of arbitrators).

On Friday, December 10th, Ratsénhaienhs Cody Diabo signed the Lease extension agreement on behalf of the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke, who hold an interest in the common lands totaling approximately 8.2 acres, as well as the underlying communal interest in the privately-held land. The amount to be received for the common lands is $5,833.00 annually, which will increase every five years until the 20th year, at which time the amount will be $6,773.00 annually for the final five years. The amounts for private lot holders are at the same rate of remuneration per acre.

“Our lands have been tied up in this lease since 1914,” said Ratsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “However, in 25 years, the lease will terminate and the lands will finally be returned to community members.  The next steps will be to have them returned in the same condition as when they were originally taken.”

This will be the final lease extension, which will terminate on November 30, 2046. Please note that the interests for the private lot holders were represented by Indigenous Services Canada in its capacity as the Lessor.