Director of Lands Unit moves on

01/25/2023

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that Martin Stacey, the Director of the Lands Unit, is leaving his position to move into the private sector.

Mr. Stacey began his career at the MCK at the Lands Unit in 1995 as a Landfill Inspector. He then became part of the newly developed Lands Unit in 2002 as a Land Management Officer, helping develop that Unit into what the Community is familiar with today. In 2013 he became General Manager of Land Management then, in 2019, he became Director of the Lands Unit.

During his tenure, he played a key role in building capacity and developing [procedures, processes and policies that were instrumental in taking away many of the land services away from Indian Affairs/Federal Office, and providing them directly to own community via the MCK Lands Unit.

Mr. Stacey was a skilled negotiator who had no issue taking his federal counterparts to task when Kahnawà:ke’s interests were not favored. His knowledge and special skill sets have been recognized well beyond Kahnawà:ke, as he sits on several national boards across Canada with the goal of helping other Indigenous nations develop their own land management capacities.

“There have been many small victories and much has been learned over time getting us closer to taking over full jurisdiction of our lands,” said Mr. Stacey. “There is still a long fight ahead, and we must keep pushing aggressively to reach our goals.”

He tendered his resignation for various reasons, but has promised to return in the future and, hopefully, work within the MCK’s political unit, where he learned and developed a passion for working on federal files.

“I’m grateful to have been able to contribute to the growth of the lands Unit, and to serve my community for over 25 years,” he added. “I have worked with many amazing people, not just in Lands, but throughout the MCK organization. Stepping away was a difficult decision to make but I wish everyone within the MCK family the absolute best.”

The MCK and Ratitsénhaienhs express their gratitude to Martin for his years of service, dedication and positive impact, and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

His final day as an MCK employee will be this Friday, January 27.