The Justice Services Division of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is proud to announce a significant milestone in the evolution of the Kahnawà:ke Justice System: the signing of the first-ever Oath of Office for a Justice of the Peace.
On Friday, November 14th, Justice Stephanie Cross formally signed the Oath of Office in a ceremony that underscored Kahnawà:ke’s commitment to strengthening its justice system and fostering public confidence. The oath was administered by Justice Portfolio Ietsénhaienhs Tonya Perron.
Cross, who was federally appointed as a Justice of the Peace in January 1993 and began presiding at the Court of Kahnawà:ke later that year, took the oath in full judicial robes.
Although Justices of the Peace have served on the Court since 1977, this marked the first time such an oath had been introduced. The initiative reflected Kahnawà:ke’s exercise of its inherent right to administer its own justice system and aligned with recently approved governance documents that establish a true Kahnawà:ke Justice of the Peace position.
“This oath is highly momentous,” said Commissioner of Justice Kevin Fleischer. “It represents our dedication to building a justice system rooted in accountability, independence and impartiality.”
Ietsénhaienhs Tonya Perron added, “By formalizing this process, we are reinforcing public trust and affirming our authority to oversee our own judicial affairs.”
For more information, please contact the Court of Kahnawà:ke at 450-638-5647.
