Engage learn and help shape Kahnawakes future at Lands Summit 2025

01/15/2025

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The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is excited to announce Lands Summit 2025, a two-day event designed to engage and inform the community on MCK land-related issues and land-use planning. The event will occur on Tuesday, February 11th, from 9am to 4pm, and Wednesday, February 12th, from 12 noon to 8pm, at the Knights of Columbus. Kahnawa’kehró:non are encouraged to attend on either day. However, each session will focus on a different demographic:

• Day 1 (Tuesday): Youth and Elders
• Day 2 (Wednesday): Community at large

The event aims to provide an interactive space for education and opportunities to gather feedback from community members. Participants will have the chance to take part in activities, fill out surveys, ask questions, and provide feedback on key land-related matters. Highlights of the event include keynote speakers, hands-on demos, educational resources, games, giveaways, door prizes, and complimentary food and beverages (while supplies last).

Representation & Key Topics:

• Land Management: Learn about Land Management services, estate transfers, and the lot inspection process.
• Highway 30 Returned Lands: Explore results from the land designation feasibility study and provide feedback.
• Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office: Discuss environmental protection initiatives and provide statements regarding community visioning.
• Seigneury of Sault St. Louis: Understand land grievance issues and Kahnawà:ke/Canada Relations. Consult on land-use planning of returned lands.
• Sports and Recreation Unit: Reimagine Matty’s Park and weigh in on the findings from the Recreational Master Plan.
• Public Works – Waste Management: Stay informed on the Waste Management EEQ Agreement, recycling guidelines, bottle refund changes, and best recycling practices. Provide feedback on Transfer Depot relocation.
• Tioweró:ton Department: Learn about the services, participate in discussions on cabin development policies and learn about caretaker responsibilities.
• Landfill Office: Gain insight into Landfill services, required documents, and wait times for new homeowners.

"At Lands Summit 2025, we’re creating a space for the community to engage directly on the important issues shaping our future," said Veronica Leborgne, Director of Lands. "We’ve been working hard to deliver a creative and hands-on approach, and we invite everyone to attend Lands Summit 2025 to help shape the future of Kahnawà:ke."

The Lands Summit 2025 will be a green event, with efforts to minimize single-use plastics. Participants are encouraged to bring their bowls, cutlery, and cups to further support this initiative. As an added incentive, those who bring their own will be entered into a special draw to win a prize.

“We are excited to host this first-ever Lands Summit and provide the community with the chance to engage directly with the Units that shape the future of our lands,” said Ratsénhaienhs David Diabo, who holds the Lands and Territories portfolio. “This is an important step towards ensuring that every voice is heard and that together, we can better protect and develop our lands responsibly for future generations.”

For additional information, please contact Carly Kateri Diabo, Community Engagement Specialist, at 450-632-7500 or by email at carly.diabo@mck.ca.