The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that the Governance Portfolio team will be initiating a process that involves Kahnawa’kehró:non in the review, updating, and validation of important governance documentation that establishes the roles and responsibilities of the Ratitsénhaienhs and guides their conduct as elected officials.
Following every election cycle, the elected Ratitséhaienhs begin their term of office by signing the Declaration of Oath of Office (“the Declaration”). This document outlines the oath each Ratitsénhaienhs takes, as they begin serving the community in their elected role. The Declaration is linked to guiding principles that are foundational to how Ratitsénhaienhs should govern themselves with strong Kanien’kehá:ka values and integrity. These guiding principles are set out in the Code of Conduct for Council Chiefs, Terms of Reference for Chiefs, and the Terms of Reference for Grand Chief. The Administration Guidelines for Council Chiefs, which outlines the logistical remuneration and benefits of Ratitsénhaienhs, will also be included in the impending review and community engagement.
“As our primary purpose is to serve the best interests of the community, it is important to involve our members in the review and validation of these documents that guide how we as Ratitsénhaienhs conduct ourselves and make decisions on their behalf,” said Governance Portfolio Lead, Ietsénhaienhs Tonya Perron.”
Over the next several months, each of the documents will undergo a review, revision, where necessary, and validation of the contents with the community. To begin the process, the Governance Portfolio Team is seeking interested community members to join a Governance Advisory Group, to assist in the work of the project.
Those interested must be registered on the Kahnawà:ke Kanien’kehá:ka Registry. Persons are encouraged to express their interest by submitting a letter of intent by Friday, January 24, 2025 at 4pm.
For more information or to express your interest, please contact Ietsénhaienhs Tonya Perron or Ratsénhaienhs Jeffrey Diabo at 450-632-7500.
