MCA August General Meeting

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne held their General Monthly Meeting on September 1, 2016 at the Tsi Snaihne Recreation Center.  Originally, this meeting was set for August 25, but was cancelled due to the unfortunate passing of two community members.  The meeting was called to order at 6 pm and a moment of silence was taken in their memory.

Presentations:

Traditional Harvesting: Sturgeon Found on St. Lawrence River - Scott Peters, Environmental Assessment Technician

On August 8, several community members reported that they had seen dead sturgeon on the St. Lawrence River.  The MCA Environment Program checked the area and found 11 dead sturgeon between St. Regis and Yellow Islands. The MCA Environment Program and SRMT Environment Division are working together to determine, if possible, what was harvested.  Two out of the 11 fish were collected for analysis. 

Early analysis determined that the two fish collected were 15-20 years old.  These fish were most likely stocked fingerlings, as most people catch sturgeon from area waters this size.  The two fish collected for analysis were also determined to be male. 

Traditionally, Mohawk people would have harvested the whole fish and wouldn’t have wasted the meat.  With just a simple slit down the belly side of the fish, it was unusual, leading the Environment Program to believe that these people might have been harvesting the fish for caviar.  After consultation with local fishermen and additional resources, it was determined that the caviar business is very intensive, yet some people have tried it and it is possible that these fish were harvested strictly for that purpose. 

The MCA Environment Program uses the Species At Risk Act (SARA) as a guideline in the territory of Akwesasne, although with multiple jurisdictions and borders the conservation law changes.  As part of the SARA guideline traditional knowledge of Mohawk people is considered in the assessment of species, where lake sturgeon is considered a traditional food source within the territory of Akwesasne. 

“It is not right to charge local fishermen; we want to catch people who are doing this in action,” said Scott Peters. 

The MCA and SRMT Environment programs are working and planning to present an educational lecture series to the community at different meetings throughout the territory.  The lecture series will likely highlight the different SARA categories, will focus on different species and will highlight and educate community members on traditionally accepted fishing, hunting and trapping methods.  Other threats such as habitat loss, over harvesting, poaching, diseases, invasive species and contamination will also be discussed as part of the future lecture series.

Akwesasne Tourism Community Development Initiative- Lindsay M. Tarbell, SRMT Office of Economic Development Chair, Penny Peters, MCA Community CCP Coordinator, LaToya Rourke, Akwesasne Tourism Center

Lindsay M. Tarbell presented the Akwesasne Tourism Community Development Initiative, which is a plan developed to address the unique challenges and opportunities to promote tourism in the Territory of Akwesasne. Eight years of planning led to the development of this initiative.     

The Akwesasne Tourism Working Group is comprised of representatives from a number of community organizations located throughout Akwesasne, including: Native North American Traveling College, Akwesasne Cultural Center and Museum, Onkwehon:we Arts Council, Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. 

Penny Peters spoke about the development details of the art park located near the decommissioned Hogansburg Dam.  Future elements of the art park include an amphitheater, mural artwork display on the old powerhouse building, landmark attractions, an artist vendor park, and river access area for community members and culturally oriented decorative designs throughout.  

LaToya Rourke spoke about the Akwesasne Tourism App, which is set to have a soft launch in the near future.  The App will allow visitors to go on self-guided tours of the territory.  LaToya Rourke and The Akwesasne Tourism Center is also working to develop guided tours of the community.  

“We already have a lot of people who come to the Experience Akwesasne Welcome Centre and they are really interested in our culture and our unique territory,” said LaToya Rourke.  

Trails Initiative- Tracy Sunday-Cook, Special Project Officer Tehontiiennawakon

September 6 marks the ground breaking for the trails pilot project in Tsi Snaihne.  The goal of the Trails Pilot Project is to install a six-foot wide walking trail at the Snye Recreation Center with the work expected to be complete by November 25, 2016. 

The Tsi Snaihne trail development is part of the Akwesasne Tourism Community Development Initiative’s Healthy Community and Eco-tourism Plan. Trail development addresses the high rates of diabetes and obesity amongst young children and all age groups and the community’s interest in eco-tourism. The Mohawk Government Tehotiiennawakon, Department of Technical Services, Community Support Program, Community Health Program, Akwesasne Child & Family Services, Operational Support, Snye Recreation Committee and the Akwesasne Area Management Board are partnered in this initiative, also known as AKTIV Akwesasne Healthy Living, which will provide residents with recreational opportunities and greater physical activity for healthier living.  This project also works to provide economic development, build a skilled labor force with the make work program and presents partnership opportunities for community support.

Updates:

Announcement of Trustee Appointments

On July 18, 2016 and August 8, 2016, three Community Trustees were selected by the Mohawks of Akwesasne Community Settlement Trust Overseers, and appointed by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

Trustees selected include:

Amanda Margaret Jacobs

Ronald James Lazore

Wendy M. Thompson

These Trustees will become official after a period of thirty calendar days.  During this period community members are invited to comment on the appointments prior to it becoming official.

For more information, please contact the Aboriginal Rights and Research Office at 613-575-2348 ext. 2206.

Election Law

Changes have been made to the election law and a work plan has been established.  After May 2017 the plan will go to the community for review.

Youth Council

There was a community call out for new members to be appointed to a Youth Council.  Darlene Francis swore in members who are currently in school.  The Youth Council is interested in recreational initiatives and would also like to start a book club.   

Hamilton Island/ TriWin

Residents of Hamilton Island, Ontario notified the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne that individuals identifying themselves as ‘the Seven Nations of Canada group’ approached them, provided prepared handouts, and informed them that MCA is working with TriWin to build a mega distribution center on Hamilton Island.

The reported information, as provided to Hamilton Island residents, is inaccurate and untrue.

Past exploratory discussions about potential economic development projects with TriWin provided to the community through Community Notices and Information Sessions, were met unfavorably.  On September 16, 2015 the Mohawk Council passed Mohawk Council Resolution 2015/2016-#130 confirming that MCA would not be proceeding with any projects presented by TriWin or with signing a joint venture development agreement with that company.

Port Divestiture

MCA has been updating community members on the Port Lands discussion through General and District meetings since it initially contacted Transport Canada about a return of the lands as early as 1996.

The process of Divestiture was the only way that Canada would be willing to grant ownership of the lands to the Mohawks of Akwesasne and Cornwall.

December 2013- MCA and the City of Cornwall as a partnership re-entered into negotiations with Transport Canada toward a Divestiture of the Port Lands after previous negotiations fell through. 

February 27, 2014- MCA and the City of Cornwall signed a letter of intent for the transfer of the Port of Cornwall from Transport Canada to MCA and City of Cornwall.

September 29, 2014- A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by MCA and Cornwall (approved by council on June 24, 2014 MCR 2013/2014 #088). The content states the terms of equal partnership, ownership, operation and management of the Port Lands.

June 30, 2016- MCA signed the Cornwall Port Divestiture Transfer Agreement (MCR 2016/2017 #081).  The agreement states that the Cornwall Akwesasne Development Commission will oversee and manage the jointly held Port Lands on behalf of both the Mohawks of Akwesasne and the City of Cornwall.  The Port Lands will be held by MCA incorporated Akwesasne Harbor Development Corporation (MCR 2016/2017 #048) and the Cornwall Harbor Development Corporation.  Each board consists of four members appointed from Akwesasne and four members appointed by the City of Cornwall.  The Cornwall Akwesasne Harbor Development Commission will oversee and govern the future of the Port Lands.    

MCA is planning to put a call out to the community for commission members to sit on the board.

MCA Grand Chief Abram Benedict stated, “We are looking for strong community members to protect our interests.”

The Port Divestiture Agreement is complementary to the Comprehensive Community Plan and the Akwesasne Tourism Community Development Initiative, mentioned Chief Benedict, stating that the Port Lands are an asset for economic development in our community.

The Cornwall Port lands fall within the boundaries of a historic Akwesasne North Shore Claim (lands on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River stretching from approximately Riviere Beaudette, QC to Long Sault, ON and expanding north to what is now Highway 417).  The North Shore Claim was rejected for negotiation by Canada, but there are still a number of options available despite the initial refusal to negotiate.  The claim seeks compensation from Canada for the loss of lands, not the return of lands.  Council will continue to research this project.

Workplace Revitalization Workgroup

On August 8, 2016, a two-hour presentation and meeting took place highlighting MCA efforts to implement a strategy focused on MCA workplace health, morale and a citizen-focus culture.  The strategy will be carried out over the next several years and will work to positively influence and alter MCA relations with employee and the community.

Business from the Floor:

Community members brought multiple questions to the general meeting.  One questioned regarded the possible hiring of a post-secondary advocate.  This community member had previously spoke with a district chief regarding this issue and made it known that such a position would benefit Mohawk students attending college and university outside the community in both Canada and the United States.  The community member stated that Haudenosaunee students attending college and university are having similar experiences and issues and a post-secondary advocate is needed to take action on behalf of students.  The Council is currently looking into funding for this position.  Another question from the floor regarded the National Energy Board Meeting and MCA’s stance.  Council agreed that the system is flawed.

Next Meetings:

Kawehno:ke, September 12, Kawehno:ke Recreation Center

Kana:takon, September 19, St. Regis Recreation Center

Tsi Snaihne, September 14, Tsi Snaihne Recreation Center

General Meeting- September 22, Kawehno:ke Recreation Center