The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is announcing that Prime Minister Mark Carney has been informed of its disappointment and concern regarding the exclusion of First Nations leadership from the Canada-Europe Relationship Summit held in Tiotià:ke (Montreal) on October 29 and 30, 2026.
In its letter, the MCK notes that the summit was held on unceded Kanien’kehá:ka territory without the participation of Kanien’kehá:ka leadership and without a territorial acknowledgement recognizing the original custodians of the land. Just days before, a proper acknowledgement was made during the First Minister’s Meeting in Ottawa. Such omissions of Kanien’kehá:ka recognition are inconsistent with the Government of Canada’s commitments to reconciliation, meaningful engagement, and the principles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The MCK also reiterates that national advocacy organizations (Assembly of First Nations and Assembly of First Nations – Quebec and Labrador) do not speak on behalf of Kahnawà:ke as a rights holder and stresses that direct engagement with community leadership is essential when discussing matters that affect First Nations peoples and territories.
“Our people cannot continue to be excluded from discussions under the facade of consultation when the Prime Minister only engages with advocacy groups,” said Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “Meaningful relationships require respect, recognition, and direct dialogue with the rights holders themselves, the Kanien’kehá:ka.”
Over the course of several months, the MCK has extended numerous meeting requests with the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, to no avail. The lack of commitment from the federal government has shown that Kahnawà:ke’s long-standing commitment to peaceful coexistence, diplomacy, and mutual respect has no value to Carney’s office – proving once again, Canada’s failure to uphold its duty and obligation to First Nations.
The MCK is calling on the Government of Canada to uphold its obligations and ensure that rights holders are meaningfully included in future discussions and decisions that impact their communities. The letter can be viewed in its entirety on Kahnawake.com.
