June 29, 2026 — Kahnawà:ke, Quebec — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and Ratitsénhaienhs from the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) have met to discuss progress and developments regarding the return of land to the community.
During this visit, the Honourable Minister Rebecca Alty announced $1.2 million in funding to the MCK to support clean-up work at the St. Rémi federal surplus property, also known as the Old Radar Site. This funding reflects Canada’s commitment to reconciliation by working in partnership with Indigenous communities and supporting the return of land.
As a first step, MCK representatives will have access to certain parts of the St. Rémi property during the clean-up. Environmental reports found contamination in and under the building and communications tower, including oil and asbestos, posing risks to human health and the environment. This funding will help make the property safe for use and meet federal environmental standards.
Once the clean-up is complete, Kahnawà:ke community members will be able to use the land for cultural and ceremonial practices as well as agriculture, advancing the ultimate objective of returning land to the collective as soon as possible and supporting the Food Sovereignty project.
Minister Alty and Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo also had an opportunity to meet on the Kahnawà:ke-Canada Relations file and reiterated their mutual commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed in 2024. All of this work supports reconciliation by recognizing Indigenous leadership and their role in caring for their lands and communities for generations to come.
Quotes
“These next steps in this process mark a vital advancement in our Land Back efforts, ensuring that this land is restored and meets appropriate environmental standards. Reclaiming this land is a powerful, historic step forward for our community.”
Cody Diabo
Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs, Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke
“Cleaning up the former radar site is an important step toward restoring this land for the benefit of the Kahnawà:ke community. By supporting decontamination efforts, we are strengthening our partnership with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and supporting its stewardship of lands and resources, helping create a safer, healthier environment for future generations.”
The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
- The property was initially used by the Department of National Defence before being transferred to Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) for Spectrum Management services pertaining to radio-communications and telecommunications and broadcasting systems.
- In 2019, the MCK expressed interest in the St.Rémi surplus federal property, which CIRNAC then acquired from ISED in 2022.
Links
- Kahnawa:ke Land Back – Still Ours! (add message for French – only available in English)
- https://www.canada.ca/en/crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs/news/2024/04/mohawk-council-of-kahnawake-and-canada-forge-a-new-path-together-on-governance-land-and-economic-development.html
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For more information, media may contact:
Tehosterihens Deer
Public Relations Specialist, Political
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke
MCKMedia@mck.ca
Alec Wilson
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
alec.wilson@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
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