The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is launching an information campaign on the Seigneury of Sault St. Louis (SSSL) Land Grievance aimed at informing Kahnawà:ke’s surrounding neighbors that the lands within these boundaries historically belong to Kahnawà:ke and that they are ‘Still Ours’.
The history of Kahnawà:ke land is very complex due to colonial wars, federal and provincial legislation, the socio-cultural history of Québec, and the effects of development—including residential, industrial, agricultural, and major infrastructure – all built for the benefit of non-Indigenous people and governments. These factors have strained our community throughout history and continue to do so today, as development within the SSSL is ongoing.
The MCK has long advocated for reforms to Canada’s Specific Claims Policy and Process Guide, and supports the UNDRIP Act Action Plan, which are essential to prioritize land back initiatives and resolve historic grievances. Despite this, Canada and Quebec have yet to implement policies that facilitate the return of lands to Indigenous communities – and movement to discuss a resolution have come to a stall in recent years.
The MCK makes it unequivocally clear that the federal and provincial governments, as well as their citizens, must recognize and respect Kahnawà:ke’s unceded territory.
“The external governments need to move on addressing our longstanding grievance,” said Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “We’re here, the land is still ours, and we’re not going anywhere. It’s time for Canada to prioritize this and get to the table.”
Kahnawa’kehró:non have always asserted that lands must be repatriated and that compensation for the damages suffered must be paid. This includes both economic losses and the loss of use of these lands. While Canada has agreed to enter into discussions with the MCK to address this historical wrongdoing and seek resolution, more commitment is necessary on the part of external governments.
The MCK continues to assert sovereignty over its lands and is working towards educating the general population on the historical events that have led to the grievance at present day. Information will be made available through several forms of messaging – billboards, traditional and social media, print, and in-person opportunities for engagement. Additionally, information on the grievance, a timeline of historical events, and engaging video snippets can be accessed on www.kahnawakelandback.com.
The SSSL Grievance land is unceded, unforgotten and unresolved – and it’s ‘Still Ours’.
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More Information:
- The SSSL boundaries, which stretch along the south shore of Kaniatarowanèn:ne (the Saint Lawrence River) and encompasses many neighboring municipalities. There are approximately 23,928 acres of unsettled land identified in the SSSL Grievance.
- “While Canada’s international actions often dominate headlines, the true measure of its commitment to justice lies in how it addresses longstanding issues here at home.” – Ratsénhaienhs Ross Montour
- The Federal Court has affirmed that the federal government must consider, in good faith, purchasing land and returning it to First Nations. The MCK insists that reconciliation requires prioritizing land return over financial compensation.
