MCA November General Meeting

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne held their monthly General Meeting on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the Tsi Snaihne Recreation Centre. As per their regular agenda, the Call to Order was presented at 6pm, with the Council Agenda Acceptance, Rules of Order and Follow Up read by Chairperson, Grand Chief Abram Benedict.

Presentation

The Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education Post-Secondary Administrator Norma Sunday gave a presentation on funding for students providing several scenarios as each individual presents a unique situation in funding.

The AMBE Post Secondary funding comes as “block funding”, a unit of funding received for MCA/AMBE education. Large populated First Nations such as Akwesasne “cap out” and formulas for this type of funding haven’t changed in years, if not decades. She noted the number of students’ applicants has grown but the amount of block funding received has remained the same, “spending more money for less students”. Over the years, they have had to cut back on many areas of funding.

Prospective students are required to attend an orientation workshop to receive funding. Students are also required to submit all requested documents and maintain a GPA average of 2.0 to qualify for the next semester’s funding.

Community members asked several questions to gain a better understanding of the AMBE Post Secondary formulas. As well, Council was questioned about the future of Post Secondary Funding and will they continue to lobby for additional funds. Community members were assured Council would continue to lobby for additional funds, work to update old funding formulas and to gain reciprocal funding whereas non-native school boards receive up to $12,000 per student and MCA/AMBE receives $4500. It was noted Post Secondary is not identified money for funds, as are Justice, Administration, Human Resource, and Informational Technology.

It was noted; AMBE Post Secondary Program funds all registered Akwesasne Mohawk students, regardless of residence. In relation to the minimal funds provided by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe for post secondary students, AMBE Post Secondary Program provides a substantial amount of funding needed for a successful college/university program.

AMBE has also hired a Post Secondary Outreach worker to provide additional support to all post secondary students helping to ensure a success at college/university experience. Suggestions were made to AMBE Post Secondary to access funds through the Community Trust Funds.

Update – Dundee Land Claims

Tsikaristisere, know as the Dundee Lands are on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River – almost opposite of Cornwall. The lands consist of approximately 20.000 acres, the most western part of Quebec and known as the Township of Dundee. “Historically it is part of the lands the were occupied and inhabited by the Mohawks of Akwesasne.” Several community members asked similar, if not exact questions on the Dundee Land Claims as provided in the information packet. They also questioned the involvement of the Mohawk Nation Council. Council noted this is a topic in the their Leadership Meetings and informs them of all steps and outcomes of the Dundee land claims process, stating, “we have to be one, or we will lose Dundee land claim. We are Akwesasronon, whatever table we are at. This agreement is for our children.”

Additional inquires were made on solar farms, small turbines, and other alternative energy sources.

Update - Chiefs Portfolio Updates

Present Council members reported on: BC Summit (Border Crossing), fifty economic priorities, Cornwall Steering Committee, Code Heroes (a computer coding program for youth), Mohawk language proposal, ACFS and their successful review, proposed two, four home complexes, five-year plan on Mohawk Language and a language strategy, funding for education and changing the outdated formulas, self-government and funding, Akwesasne has a 22% unemployment rate, renewable energy strategy; solar farms, windmill farms, and trading, changing environment into a much needed department and not a division, MCA recognizes there is a crisis in the survival of Mohawk language. Also noted; DTS and improvement of identified roads, and on the environment, climate change and its detrimental effects on the waters/rivers in and surrounding Akwesasne. It was announced Bill Sunday has been chosen to sit on the AFN Council of Elders and the Strong Roots Foundations donated an outdoor rink for Tsi Snaihne.

Update – MCA Heating Assistance Program

Applications are being accepted until December 9, 2016 and payments will be made to your fuel provider before Christmas. Community members questioned the cost of fuel in Akwesasne in comparison to the cost of fuel in surrounding communities. After an informal analysis, the cost of fuel in Akwesasne is considered less expensive. Community residents questioned the availability of fuel assistance for community members, especially elders who reside outside of Akwesasne, and if it’s possible to expand funding in 2017 to include them. Community residents and Council discussed accessing additional funding through the Community Trust Fund.

Business from the Floor

Community members questioned – what is the land base of Akwesasne, what steps are being taken to expand information technology, creating a senior residence for active seniors, upgrading both elder facilities, the possibility of the having physiotherapy services return to both Elder’s facilities. A community member questioned the personal living arrangements of a Kawehnoke district chief.

Announcements

There are NO district or general meeting for the month of December.

Open Houses Sessions

Tsi Snaihne - Monday, December 12 from 4 to 7pm

Kawehnoke - Wednesday, December 14, from 4 to 7 pm.

(Kana:takon held their Open House on December 5, 2016)

District Community Christmas Dinner

Tsi Snaihne – Thursday, December 8, 5 to 7pm

Kawehnoke – Thursday, December 15, 5 to 7pm

(Kana:takon held their Christmas Dinner on Thursday, December 1, 2016)