Mohawk Council of Akwesasne General Meeting Update

Mohawk Council met on Thursday, October 27, 2016 in the district of Kana:takon at the Saint Regis Recreation Center. The meeting began promptly at 6pm with Grand Chief Abram Benedict chairing.

The General Meeting covered updates Portfolios, Heating Assistance for 2016/2017, Land Claims, MCA Open House Dates, and Inclement Weather.

Grand Chief’s distributed report included the following:

Aboriginal Rights and Research Office (ARRO) staff provided Council with an update and feedback from the recent Tsikaristisere / Dundee Land Claim information meetings.

A Representative from the Bank of Montreal Aboriginal Banking and Regional BMO Representative provided Council with an update on Aboriginal Banking and also updated Council on the BMO on reserves mortgage program.

Council agreed to host an welcome reception for an upcoming Assembly of First Nations Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) Chiefs Assembly being hosting in Akwesasne.

Chiefs agreed that a lobby committee meeting would be scheduled in the near future.

Council agreed that a release will be made in response to a press release made by a community group regarding the MCA.

A brief was provided on a community business and approval was given for Grand Chief to provide a letter of Support to a community business.

Council was updated on “Ionkwakwe:nion” the Book of Recognition.

MCR’s passed: Approval of request to transfer band registry to Mohawks of Akwesasne (membership approved); Approval of business application to be submitted to Quebec AEDF fund; Approval of 2016/17 Heating Assistance Program; Approval of Bank of Montreal mortgage Guarantee for community member; Approval of contract award for expansion of waterline to James E Lazore Memorial Road; Approval of 2015 Annual Reconciliation Report for Ministry of Long Term Care Tsiionkwanohnso:te; Approval of amendment of transfer payment agreement with Ontario for Tobacco Pilot Project.