Response to "Third Party Management?"

25, Seskehko:wa/September 2013

I want to take this time to respond to a Letter to the Editor that appeared in the September 19, 2013 edition of Indian Time. The letter referenced a finance report that was provided at a recent Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s General Meeting. The following information is being provided to help provide some clarification.

I want to begin by stating that the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is NOT on the verge of bankruptcy NOR at risk of being placed under third-party financial management. Far from those unlikely scenarios, the Mohawk Council has been credited by the Government of Canada for being one of the most stable and financially accountable First Nations communities.

In the early-1980s, Akwesasne was at risk of being placed under third party management by the federal government. As a result, in consultation with members, the Mohawk Council initiated efforts in 1986 that exercised our community’s authority and assumed local control of many programs and services that were previously administered by the Department of Indian Affairs.

For nearly thirty years, these efforts included regular updates to members on funds that are received for community programs and services. This is done through our annual reports that contain a detailed accounting of each department’s activities and finances, as well as included as a regular agenda topic at MCA General Meetings and District Meetings.

Strong financial management and regular fiscal reporting to members is an ongoing practice that continues to improve and serves as a template for other First Nations seeking similar standards of financial transparency and accountability. These measures have resulted in Akwesasne doing a much better job of administering our community’s funds, which over the years has resulted in increased employment for our people.

It is commonly known that all across the country; federal, provincial and municipal governments and, particularly, First Nations communities are dealing with budget deficits and funding cuts. It is also evident that Akwesasne has grown significantly over the years and in response so has the demand for increased community programs and services.

As a result of funding cuts or no increase in funding in some key areas for the past three years, the MCA has been working hard to keep the deficit in check, ensuring that there is ongoing delivery of essential community services and is exploring ways to generate revenue to support our community’s continued growth.

The lack of external funding however, has forced the MCA to cover costs that contribute towards the deficit yet, provide for the health and safety of local residents. These are for projects that have been identified as priorities for the community, like completing construction on the Kawehno:ke and the Tsi Sniahne waterlines to bring safe drinking water to district residents. These also include costs that don’t fit within existing funding criteria, but remain free for community members; such as garbage collection and water.

In November 2013, community members will be receiving the 2012-2013 Annual Report that contains the most up-to-date financial statement for the Mohawk Council. It includes further information of priority areas that have experienced cuts in funding from external governments; such as Post-Secondary Education, non-Insured Health Benefits, and Community and Social Services.

The Annual Report will also include information on efforts that are underway to ensure the federal government fulfills its fiduciary responsibility for the continued delivery of essential services. I ask that you take the time to read these reports and to bring any questions you may have to an upcoming General Meeting, District Meeting, Focus Meeting, or to contact your District Chief.

Skennen,

Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell

Grand Chief, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne