MCA Extends Thanks for Support During Quebec Fuel Tax Settlement Process

TERRITORY OF AKWESASNE – The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is pleased to see the conclusion of the Quebec Fuel Tax Settlement claim, which was administered through the Collectiva Class Action Services company.  All settlement checks (with the exception of a minor few) have now been distributed.

We would like to thank the Akwesasne community for their participation in this process.  First Nations people applied in overwhelmingly large numbers and this claim was the largest Collectiva ever administered.  The sheer volume of participants meant lower settlement payments for each individual, but to have so many First Nations people be the recipients of something positive is a cause for celebration.  For Akwesasne, we have even more to be appreciative of, as for the purpose of this settlement Akwesasne was considered one single community regardless of borders and jurisdictions.

At this time, we wish to thank all the technical people who were involved in the claim process in any capacity, ensuring that the application process was as smooth as possible. We also ask the community to join us in expressing appreciation for the hard work and dedicated services of our postal workers, bank personnel, and check-cashing businesses, who went above and beyond their routine duties to provide exemplary service to our community members. 

Mohawk Council would also like to thank the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec & Labrador and Regional Chief Ghislain Picard for initiating the claim.

Last but not least, nia:wen to Chief Louise Thompson, who spearheaded the effort of educating our community members on the class action suit, ensuring that all Akwesasronon would benefit.  Chief Thompson worked countless hours to assist community members in understanding the settlement and application process and she welcomed many into her own home to assist them.  The leadership she exhibited in looking out for her community’s best interest was exceptional and should be applauded. Nia:wen to Chief Florence Phillips as well, who stepped up to help when the application process was too much for one chief, ensuring every community member was assisted.

Nia:wen kowa to all.