Community Direction

The MCK Council of Chiefs reports to, and solicits direction from, community members on a regular basis through monthly Community Meetings and on particular issues as they arise.

The Council of Chiefs are responsible for providing strategic direction to the SSSL Team for negotiations meetings. The SSSL Team is responsible for implementing that direction and to report on the status of those meetings as well as other related activities to the Council of Chiefs on a regular basis.

The MCK has drawn three broad principles from the final reports of community consultations (2006-2008 and 2015-2016) with respect to lands. The following principles represent the general views of participants on the issue of lands:

Principle #1 – Land is the priority for resolution.

Participants stressed the importance of securing a land base sufficient to ensure the well-being of the community and future generations. Many indicated that efforts should be focused on getting SSSL lands back as a priority. Otherwise, returned lands should be close to Kahnawà:ke, at least equal in size as the land that was taken, have “reserve status” (i.e. be tax-free), be clean and allow for a variety of uses (residential, agricultural, etc.). Many participants considered the possibility of accepting a mix of lands and financial compensation, but most insisted on the importance of both lands and monetary compensation being used to benefit the whole community.

Principle #2 – Title is not negotiable; surrender, under any form, is not acceptable.

Participants made clear that decision-making must consider the larger historical, political, legal, and cultural context which frames land issues for the people of Kahnawà:ke. For example, the current process should not undermine a future Haudenosaunee/Nation claim to traditional territory.

Principle #3 – Decision-making about issues related to Lands should take into consideration cultural principles and community values.

Participants expect decision-making relating to SSSL lands to reflect the community’s principles and values. The importance of maintaining lands for the collective, honoring the role and responsibilities of Kanien:keha’ka women in relation to land and adhering to the Seven Generations principle in decision-making are some examples of principles and values which should be reflected in all decision-making processes.

These 3 principles continue to guide and inform the negotiations process. In addition to these principles, the community has directed that “not one more inch” of Mohawk land should be taken and developed without consent.

The federal and provincial governments have an obligation to ensure that SSSL lands are not subject to future development without the free, prior and informed consent of the community of Kahnawà:ke. This is in line with high-level Crown legal obligations (the duty to consult and accommodate) and the minimum standards outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (articles 25, 26, 27 and 28).