Kahnawake Residency Law Hearing recap

03/22/2019

The Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission (KLCC) would like to inform the community on the outcomes from the Community Decision Making Process Hearing for the draft Kahnawà:ke Residency Law held last evening at Kahnawake Shakotiia’takéhnhas Community Services (KSCS).

The meeting began with Ietsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer presenting a power point presentation, which touched on the major points of the draft. Several questions or requests for clarification were brought forth, with most being answered satisfactorily by either Sky-Deer or the lawyer assigned to the file, Suzanne Jackson.

A one-page handout was distributed before the meeting to address concerns regarding the wording of clauses 34 and 35 in the current draft, which was deemed by the Technical Drafting Committee (TDC) as unsatisfactory. A motion was brought forth to accept new wording proposed by the TDC, which was further developed with input by the participants. The changes included removing the word “Child” from “Minor Child” referenced in both clauses, as well as changing “Onkwehonwe Lineage” to “Onkwehonwe Ancestry.” These were passed by full consensus.

The remainder of the evening consisted mainly of discussion/debate on two topics. The first was a suggestion to separate the definition of minors into two age categories (i.e. 12-and-under, 13-to-17), which was rejected. The second was a discussion on eligibility requirements for Residency Permits which was still in progress when the time limit was reached. This discussion will resume at the next meeting.

The meeting commenced at 6:20pm and ended at 8:35pm.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 4th, 2019 at the same location (KSCS); please note, however, that the date may be changed. Persons who are planning to participate in or attend the Hearing are being urged to view the draft Law in advance of the meeting. The Law is available for viewing at www.kahnawakemakingdecisions.com.

For information on the Law, please contact:
Trina C. Diabo, Technician
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, 450-632-7500, trinaC.diabo@mck.ca

For further information on the process, please contact:
Leslie Skye, Coordinator
Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission, 450-632-7500, leslie.skye@mck.ca