The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is pleased to announce that, during its duly-convened Council meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Table approved a Mohawk Council Executive Directive (MCED), where for the first time in history, a restricted airspace will be established over the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke. This initiative is to support emergency response operations while asserting our jurisdiction in the skies under the authority of the Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke — while ensuring safe and regulated use of advanced technology for community protection.
As part of this effort, the Kahnawake Peacekeepers will launch Canada’s first Drone First Responder (DFR) Proof of Concept program in partnership with Drone 360, who will provide the emergency-response drone technology and other resources. The program will operate exclusively within the newly designated restricted airspace, ensuring compliance with safety standards and reinforcing Kahnawà:ke’s jurisdiction. This project will significantly improve operational efficiency, including traffic monitoring and emergency response times.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing security across the Territory during a time when technology is rapidly advancing,” said Community Safety Portfolio Lead Ratsénhaienhs Ryan Montour. “The restricted airspace ensures that these operations remain safe, transparent, and community focused. This program is designed solely for emergency response and community protection—not for personal gain or surveillance. Our priority is transparency, safety, and trust, while also strengthening our public safety, traffic control, and emergency response times.”
Key Highlights
- First in Kahnawà:ke History: This marks the first time restricted airspace has been established over the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke.
- Free of charge: Drone 360 has provided drone technology and 24/7 off-site remote services at no cost, recognizing the Peacekeepers as the first police service in Canada to adopt this program.
- 24/7 remote support: Offsite operators can deploy and operate the drone at any time—such as daily bridge maintenance inspections and traffic surveillance—or dispatched immediately during emergencies.
- Operational efficiency: The drone can be dispatched anywhere in the Territory, improving situational awareness, response times, and overall public safety.
Drone 360 has also expressed a strong interest in hiring from within the community, ensuring that this initiative not only strengthens public safety but also creates local opportunities.
