Historic day for Kahnawake in Ottawa
The sun shone and optimism ran rampant amongst the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake contingent last Wednesday on Parliament Hill for the signing of a document with the federal government that will put the community on an equal footing in government negotiations.
Mohawk Council of Kahnawake Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer and Indigenous Rights and Research lead Ross Montour were on hand to sign the historic document with federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree in the West Block of Parliament.
“We're happy to be entering into a renewed process to take meaningful steps in several different areas that will positively impact Kahnawa'kehró:non by ensuring that we work towards demanding Canada respect Kahnawake's self-determination," Sky-Deer said. "It provides us with the opportunity to tackle federal barriers we currently face, as well as the space to draft our own agreements to better meet the unique needs of our community. It will allow us to have a good relationship and it shows the government is a willing partner with an open mind.”
Anandasangaree said despite the fact, “there is much work still to be done,” the day was a big one for the relationship between the federal government and Kahnawake.
“We’re looking at a long-term approach,” Anandasagaree said. “This is the future. This agreement sets that path forward and gives us the ability to go forward in a constructive relationship on issues and matters that concern us both. We know the Indian Act is an imperfect piece of legislation and we wanted to move away from the limitations of the law.”
Montour, who was involved in the negotiations with the department of Crown-Indigenous Relations, said the accord was the product of two years of hard work.
“This is an exercise in Kahnawake’s self-determination. We’re talking about two years of work. Two years of committed work,” Montour said. “Lots of meetings and lots of opportunities for us to speak and to listen. Now comes the rest of the journey and that will involve more hard work. This is an optimistic moment. I’m happy to be here.”
The agreement sets the stage for exploring renewed relationships on subject matters such as lands, environment, registration, gaming, justice, fiscal relations, consultation, economic development, as well as child and family services.
The agreement will also foster working relationships on other subjects that may arise.
Former Crown-Indigenous Relations minister Marc Miller was also on hand to witness the signing. Miller, who took over the Immigration portfolio last summer, had previously been an integral part of negotiations and was on hand as an observer.
“I’m just glad you finally got a minister who can get things done,” Miller quipped. “But these types of negotiations take people of good faith, and it’s important to me that we continue to move toward a relationship of equals.”
Marc Lalonde, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase
