Ten Things You Should Know About Self-Government – Entewatatha:wi

“In 1999 MCA initiated the Nation Building, or Entewatatha:wi Program, for the purpose of exploring areas of jurisdiction and authority over our affairs Akwesasne can take control from Canada. Since 1876 Akwesasne and other First Nations across Canada have adhered to Canada’s Indian Act, which gives Canada oversight to certain areas of our lives and governance, but also provides certain guarantees and benefits to First Nations people. As Akwesasne has the ability and desire to regulate itself in many areas, such as education, land and resource management, environmental assessment, and membership, Canada is willing to work with us to develop an Agreement based on a new government to government relationship that keeps components of the Indian Act in place when they are found to be helpful or relevant, but removes application of other parts that are outdated, and no longer benefit Akwesasne. The Entewatatha:wi Process is a matter of pursuing the right to govern ourselves in the areas we are able and willing to. It is a process that involves much consultation and collaboration with the community on an ongoing basis and no change will take place unless a Final Agreement is ratified by Akwesasronon.

1. Negotiations with Canada are aimed at greater recognition in the Final Agreement of Akwesasne’s jurisdiction on existing reserve lands.

2. No Final Agreement with Canada will be made until there is full consultation with the Akwesasne membership and a ratification vote by Akwesasne members approving the Final Agreement.

3. Negotiations do not address land claims, nor can they prejudice or limit Akwesasne’s land claims processes. The Agreement will not be a treaty.

4. The Agreement will not be interpreted so as to limit or restrict the Mohawk Nation, the Haudenosaunee or other communities within the Mohawk Nation in the assertion of their rights.

5. There is no change in the constitutional status of existing Akwesasne reserve lands. They remain as reserves, federal lands held for the use and benefit of the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

6. Existing interests in Akwesasne Lands, such as Certificates of Possession, continue to exist and are fully recognized under the Final Agreement.

7. The existing Indian Act tax exemption (s. 87) of Akwesasne and its members will continue.

8. The Final Agreement states clearly it will not prejudice, limit or restrict Akwesasne’s Aboriginal or treaty rights recognized under section 35 (1) of the Constitution Act 1982.

9. The fiduciary relationship with Canada continues. Canada will continue to provide funding for programs and services. Akwesasne members will continue to be entitled to federal programs and benefits (i.e., employment insurance, Canada Pension Plan, health insurance, Remission Order, etc).

10. Canada is not relieved of responsibility or liability for their actions, errors or decisions made by Canada prior to Akwesasne taking over jurisdiction or management of a subject area. Akwesasne assuming management of one subject area does not remove Canada’s responsibility for other subject areas.

Entewatatha:wi Office May 9, 2017