Proposed Kahnaw�:ke Act Hearings to Continue Next Wednesday

10/01/2009

The Interim Legislative Coordinating Committee would like to inform the community that the hearings for a proposed Kahnaw�:ke justice system will continue next Wednesday, 7 Kent�nha/October at the Karonhian�nhnha School gym from 6:30 to 9pm. Last night�s hearing, which was attended by over approximately 85 people, was the first to use the new Community Decision Making Process.

In its request for a mandate to develop a justice system, the Justice Commission is asking four questions as it asks the community for a mandate to proceed with a justice system. Last night, the first question, �Should Kahnaw�:ke have a justice system?� was answered. After several rounds of discussion, the three groups were successful in achieving consensus with this response:

�Yes, we want a unique system of justice that better responds to our community�s needs and continues to respect our traditions that are built upon values and principles such as peace, power and righteousness, harmony, good mind and respect,�

The next three questions are:

1. What issues or concerns should the justice system address?
2. Would you prefer the Justice Commission develop a working document or would you prefer to use this forum to develop the system?
3. Should judgments, orders and decisions from a justice system be recognized outside the Territory?

People are being asked to arrive a few minutes early so that the hearings begin on time.

Log onto www.kahnawakemakingdecisions.com to keep up to date on the Community Decision Making Process.