Kahnawà:ke, Quebec Agree to Move Forward

06/12/2009

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is announcing the signing of two important agreements with the Government of Quebec on Wednesday, 10 Ohiarí:ha/June.

Grand Chief Michael Ahríhrhon Delisle, Jr., Premier Jean Charest and Quebec Native Affairs Minister Pierre Corbeil signed a Statement of Understanding and Mutual Respect that will provide a basis for intergovernmental relations between Kahnawà:ke and Quebec.

As well, Minister Corbeil signed the Framework Agreement that will provide the blueprint for the renewal/renegotiation of the Agreements (known in Kahnawà:ke as “the Ten Agreements”) originally signed in 1999. Three new subject matters have been added to the original ten, including Labor Relations, the Return of the Highway 30 Lands to Kahnawà:ke, and the Rehabilitiation of the 207.

Chief Johnny Montour will sign for the MCK upon his return to the office. It will then be sent to Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs, Jacques Dupuis, for his signature. This will complete the process and the Framework Agreement will officially come into effect.

“This was a very significant day,” said Grand Chief Delisle. “We now have the formal table set, where we can roll up our sleeves and get to work on the many issues that affect our relationship.”

“This is a step forward in the relationship between Quebec and the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke based on mutual respect and dialogue,” said Premier Charest. “This agreement augurs well for our common future together.”

The Statement of Understanding and Mutual Respect is available for viewing on www.kahnawake.com.