MCA April General Meeting

April 27th, 2017. MCA held their monthly general on Thursday April 27, 2017 at the Kawehnoke Recreation. The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. and closed at approximately 8:30 p.m. The meeting had two main presentations; IFN Akwesasne youth delegates’ presentation and overview of conference and MCA’s year in review (Community of Akwesasne’s Goals & MCA’s Strategies and Plans).

IFN Youth Delegates Presentation

Several of the youth delegates who attended the IFN Conference made a PowerPoint presentation on the experience they had at the conference. They each took turns speaking about the different experiences they had while attending the conference. They all agreed that Akwesasne is very fortunate when it comes to the many benefits and living conditions we have here. A lot of people complain about the border, but we should focus more and the positives going on here in Akwesasne. Other reservations are suffering from an all-time high suicide rate, and violence amongst their people and from the outside non-native communities. The delegates brought back knowledge and a new understanding, they have big plans to make a positive change not only in Akwesasne, but amongst the Six Nations and other First Nations they networked with at the conference.

The presentation consisted of the session topics they attended while at the conference. They were: Art as alternative, family violence prevention, healthy communication, T4T facilitator training-safe talk certification and ASSIST certification, team building with Stan Wesley, looking for leadership skills amongst the youth delegates, team pursuit/going live-team building, team quotes & statements, presentation of resolutions and unity. All the topics had a lot of importance.

At the end of the presentation, the Council thanked the youth delegates for coming and presenting what they have learned, and the delegates thanked the council for giving them the opportunity to attend the conference. The community members in attendance were also very impressed by what they youth delegates presented.

Follow Up Items

Council moved on to the next topic on the agenda, which was the follow up item from the previous general meeting on March 23, 2017.

A community member questioned why the MRP law, which went into effect November 2016, doesn’t grandfather people in before 2016?

Council had this information for the follow item.

According to the Iatathrona Raotiientahtsera “Couples Property” Law which was approved by MCR 2013/2014-#279. The Law went into effect on June 2014.

Section 3.2 c)ii for asserting rights or obligations under this Law, so long as an application by a former spouse is commenced within one year of the date of the separation.

Section 4.3 d) this Law applies to respect of Interest in Akwesasne Lands, whether or not they were acquired before or after this Law takes effect.

Section 5.1 This Law applies to

Members

B. a Child, and Non-Members who are the Spouse of a Member.

Section 7.5 This section applies whether the parties entered into a Domestic agreement on, before or after the date that this law comes into force and effect.

The council moved onto the next topic on the agenda, which was the year in review –MCA’s Strategic Plan; PowerPoint presentation presented by Grand Chief Abram Benedict.

MCA’s Strategic Plan-Mission Statement: To provide consistent quality service that will enhance the quality of life for all Akwesasronon today, while protecting our rights and preserving our resources for the next seven generations.

Vision: Sustaining our inherent rights, facing challenges together to build a strong and healthy future

Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP)

-Become a self -governing nation

-Live in a safe community

-Better management of our Land

-Monitor and protect our environment

-Create more jobs & business opportunities

-Address community education needs

-Increase fluency in Mohawk language

-Take pride in our culture and history

-Provide sufficient and affordable housing

-Improve our health and well-being

-Take care of the vulnerable members in the community

-Support our community’s recreational needs

Once the presentation was finished, Council moved on to the next topic on the agenda, Business from the Floor.

A community member then spoke about a hockey team he has been coaching, and the effect the tollbooth has had on his team and on the arena. He spoke of all the money that has gone to Cornwall because no one wants to pay the toll to come to the Island to use the Arena. He then asked what Council can do to make this less of a problem.

The only response was that they have also spoken to the Seaway International tollbooth, with no positive results. Everyone agreed that the tollbooth and CBSA should be moved to the southern portion of the U.S Bridge.

Community members were then asked if they had any questions. A few community members asked questions pertaining to the topics discussed at the meeting.

Some of the question were:

Why has there never been a chief attend a Mohawk class in school, if our language and education is so important?

Financial administration, is it for community members or just council?

Why do elders have to pay to get vaccines after the age of 75?

Has there been any land purchased by council in the last two years?

How will community be kept safe?

How will unity be made in Akwesasne?

Where does all the money come from, if Akwesasne is in a deficit of 1.1 million?

Who is responsible, with the change in policing, did you do your homework?

A lot of good questions were asked and some will have to be answered at the next meeting.

An update was also given by a community member. He has been trying to get a rehab facility started in Akwesasne for the last two years. He is still trying, and hopes to get some support from Council, especially now with the drug use become so prevalent amongst Akwesasne. ‘We need to be prepared.’

The floor was closed, and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.