The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is pleased to announce the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tsuut’ina Nation, marking a significant step toward the establishment of a sovereign Indigenous free trade economy.
The agreement was signed by Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo on behalf of the MCK and Chief Roy Whitney-Onespot of the Tsuut’ina Nation on July 26, 2025. Representing the Ratitsénhaienhs at the signing was Economic Development Portfolio Lead Ratsénhaienhs Paul Rice, who has been actively engaged in economic development discussions with Tsuut’ina leadership throughout last week in Alberta.
Also included in those discussions were the Mississauga New Credit Nation, Enoch Nation, White Cap Dakota Nation, Peepeekisis Nation, Chiniki Nation, Stoney Nation, Bears Paw Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, the National Chief, as well as the Chinese Consul General of Alberta.
This MOU lays the groundwork for a five-year collaboration aimed at developing a comprehensive free trade pact that affirms the inherent rights of both Nations to trade freely—without interference, tariffs, or discriminatory restrictions imposed by settler governments.
“This relationship with the Tsuut’ina Nation reflects a shared commitment to uphold Indigenous laws, customs, and traditions in the pursuit of inter-Nation economic and trade collaboration,” said Ratsénhaienhs Paul Rice. “We will sign MOUs with as many Nations as we can to support each other in our work towards economic sovereignty.”
The agreement establishes trade protocols to facilitate the free movement of goods and services, including cross-border trade. As such, a working group on Indigenous Free Trade will be established between both nations to oversee the implementation of the MOU and guide the development of the trade pact.
Ratsénhaienhs Rice was in Tsuut’ina from July 23rd to 27th for Free Trade and Economic Development meetings, which included a tour of the Taza Development in Tsuut’ina and concluded with the group attending the Tsuut’ina Annual Pow Wow Celebrations as invited guests of the Tsuut’ina Nation and Chief Whitney.
