Chiefs to attend Iroquois Caucus in Akwesasne

05/18/2010

Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Chiefs Mike Bush and Martin Leborgne will be attending the Iroquois Caucus meetings being held in Akwesasne from this evening (Tuesday) to Thursday.

The agenda includes discussions on the Canadian government’s proposed Matrimonial Real Property law. The members of the Caucus have been unanimously opposed to the legislation, which would see non-Native spouses being able to acquire rights and interests in houses and land on reserves. It would also give provincial courts the jurisdiction to decide on these matters, which could result in Natives being evicted from their own homes. The legislation could potentially affect many areas, including the right of Natives to will their home and/or land to their children.

There will also be a summary of the recent Membership and Citizenship conference; Gaming; and an evaluation and discussion of the Iroquois Caucus itself.

The Iroquois Caucus consists of elected Councils from Kahnawà:ke, Akwesasne, Kanesatake, Tyendinaga, Wahta, Six Nations and the Oneida of the Thames (Ontario).