Client Based Services
Our goal is to support Kahnawa’kehró:non in achieving and sustaining a high quality of life by providing services, programs, and resources that align with the community’s cultural values and aspirations. We aim to meet all basic human needs of our current and future generations to ensure a prosperous future.
450-638-0500
About Us
Client Based Services (CBS) comprises of three departments
and various program areas that aim to help the community acquire and maintain a
better quality of life through a range of programs and services.
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Most Popular Services
Kahnawà:ke Social Assistance Program
Provides financial assistance to individuals and families to preserve their security and dignity.
Office of the Kahnawà:ke Kanien’kehá:ka Registry
Administers recognition, permissions, and authorization in accordance with the Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke Law
Tsi Niionkwarihò:ten Tsitewaháhara'n Language and Culture Program
Committed to reviving and perpetuating the Kanien'kéha language within the community.
Social Support Programs
Social Funeral Support Program
The purpose of this program is to provide financial support to Kahnawa’kehró:non families during times of loss, specifically to assist with gatherings or meals following funerals, memorials, or traditional 10-day feasts.
- The deceased must be a Kahnawa’kehró:non (as defined by registry, residency law, or approved status).
- Immediate family or the person responsible for funeral arrangements may apply.
- A one-time, fixed financial benefit per eligible deceased individual.
- Amount is determined annually based on available funding.
- If no gathering occurs, the benefit goes directly to the service provider.
- Not considered income for Last Resort financial assessments.
- Proof of responsibility for funeral arrangements.
- Priority given to immediate family (spouse, then child, etc.) if multiple applications are received.
- Managed by the Client-Based Services Committee (CBSC) and Financial Sub-Committee (FSC).
- Fraud or misuse will be investigated by CBSC and its FSC.
Social Health Support Program
The purpose of this program is to provide last resort financial assistance for unmet health-related needs to Kahnawa’kehró:non experiencing verified financial hardship.
- Must be a Kahnawa’kehró:non (as defined by registry, residency law, or approved status).
- Must reside in Kahnawà:ke.
- Must have been denied assistance from insurance or local, federal, or provincial programs.
- Support is available for medical, dental, and health-related needs.
- Maximum benefit amount is determined annually based on available funding.
- Applications are reviewed case-by-case by the Social Health Support Program Board.
- Requests exceeding the maximum must be submitted to the Client-Based Services Committee (CBSC) with board recommendations.
- Medical: Supplies & equipment, medication, transportation, procedures
- Health: Mental health, traditional health services, vision care, and medication
- Dental: Diagnostic and preventative services
- Forms available through the Client-Based Services Unit
- Must include:
- Proof of denial from other funding sources
- Letter of support from a relevant health professional
- Application period remains open while funding is available.
- If budget is exhausted, applications may roll over to the next fiscal year.
- Payments are made directly to service providers.
- Full coverage from other programs disqualifies applicants; partial coverage may still be eligible.
- Fraud or misuse will be investigated by CBSC and its FSC.
Social Parental Support Program
The purpose of this program is to provide financial support to Kahnawa’kehró:non during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood through a structured social support program.
- Must be a Kahnawa’kehró:non (as defined by registry, residency law, or approved status).
- Must reside in Kahnawà:ke.
- Must be ineligible for Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) or Employment Insurance (EI).
- Must be at least 38 weeks pregnant or have experienced a pre-term birth.
- Must work for a Kahnawà:ke-based business or operate as an independent contractor.
- Must have 26 weeks of continuous employment prior to applying:
- Full-time: 30+ hours/week
- Part-time: 20–30 hours/week
- A letter from the employer confirming employment status is required.
- Fixed benefit amounts for full-time and part-time applicants, determined annually.
- Benefits begin at the 38th week of pregnancy and continue until the child reaches 50 weeks of age.
- Only the parent with primary care responsibilities may apply.
- Parents of children under 52 weeks old at the time of program launch may apply.
- No retroactive benefits will be issued.
- Program continuation depends on annual funding; if not renewed, it ends March 31 of the fiscal year.
- Applicants eligible for federal or provincial benefits are not eligible.
- The Kahnawà:ke Social Assistance Program serves as a last resort.
- Fraud or misuse will be investigated by CBSC and its FSC.
Will and Estate Planning
Kahnawà:ke Will and Estate Planning Social Awareness Campaign
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) website, “identifies that less than 9% of First Nations peoples living on reserve have a Will when they pass away”. In Kahnawà:ke, although no exact data is available as to the percentage of Will’s prepared and by age group. The consensus is that most community members do not have a Will nor consider the importance of having a Will. To raise awareness within the Kahnawà:ke community about the importance of preparing a Last Will and Testament, and to address the low rate of Will preparation. The aim is to foster behavioral and social change through targeted outreach, education, and public engagement.
CBS’ program will host nearly twenty Will and Estate Workshops. The coordinator will be promoting and organizing the workshops to meet the needs of participants. Information Kiosks will take place to share and distribute specific information via brochures on Will and Estate Planning.
For more information or to register, contact Louise Mayo, Will and Estate Coordinator, by phone at 450-638-0500 or by email louise.mayo@mck.ca.