A Voice from the Eastern Door

SRMT Monthly Meeting Recap

By Isaac White.

Chief Michael Conners chaired the May 2024 Tribal Meeting, guiding the agenda through several important community updates and discussions. The meeting commenced with a review of previous action items from the April monthly meeting.

The meeting agenda packet included:

Tribal Council provided updates to the community via written reports. Each council member outlined their activities, contributing to the community’s governance and development.

The meeting included a summary of Tribal Council Resolutions (TCRs) for April 2024, although specific details were encouraged to be viewed through the Tribal Member’s Portal. The resolutions addressed various community support initiatives and legislative compliance.

The Tribal Police Department provided a general report on their recent activities, ensuring the community remains informed about public safety efforts.

An Elders Benefit recap financial document was presented, outlining the financial status and projections of this important community program.

The SRMT is proposing to acquire land from Jeffrey Lazare for $400,000. The proposed acquisition includes an existing warehouse intended for use as a Tribal Police Department Substation. Community comments are welcomed until May 25th, 2024.

Akwesasne youth Michael Smoke provided an informative presentation on environmental health concerns, specifically focusing on the impact of pollutants on community health. Michael’s work, part of the Mohawk Youth Health Ambassador Program, highlights the broader issues related to environmental contaminants and their potential health implications for both pregnant women and the general population.

Smoke’s presentation emphasized the importance of community awareness and proactive health practices in response to environmental risks. He stressed the need for continued vigilance and community-oriented health strategies to mitigate the effects of pollutants. His discussion served as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges the community faces and the collective actions required to safeguard health and well-being.

Smoke’s presentation was enthusiastically approved, significantly impressing the community members present. His articulate delivery and the depth of his research showcased the proactive involvement and potential of the youth in Akwesasne. His ability to convey complex environmental health issues in an accessible manner was well-received.

In the recent capital projects update provided by Colleen Thomas, Director of Planning & Infrastructure, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe showcased significant advancements in infrastructure that promise enhanced community services.

Community Services Building Renovation

The transformation of the former IGA building into the Community Services Building is nearing completion, showcasing impressive progress in various construction aspects. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this project has achieved significant milestones in its renovation efforts:

• Metal Doors: Fully installed.

• Interior Wood Doors: 90% complete, nearing final installation.

• ACT: 95% complete

• Linear Wood Ceilings: 95% complete

• Sheetrock Finish and Paint: 98% complete

• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring: 78% complete

• Elevator Installation: 99% complete

• Sprinkler System: 90% complete

• Geothermal Well System: 95% complete

• Electrical Light Fixtures and Generator Transfer Switch, Mechanical Systems: 93% complete

• Plumbing: 98% complete

• Fire Protection: Fully complete

Furniture installation is scheduled for May 20. The building is expected to be substantially completed by May 31, 2024, and move-in is expected to be in mid-June.

Generations Park Phase I – Amphitheater

The construction of the Generations Park Amphitheater, part of a broader initiative funded by a $2.5 million allocation from the Community Development Fund, is progressing swiftly, with several key components already in place. This new cultural venue is designed to become a central hub for community events and performances.

• Foundational Work: The foundational elements such as fill, subgrades, catch basins, and drainage structures have been completed, setting a solid base for the amphitheater.

• Concrete and Structural Work: The amphitheater floor was poured recently, establishing the main performance area. The bathroom building shell is also erected, with plumbing installations complete and interior finishes ongoing.

• Surrounding Facilities: Enhancing the functionality of the park, the subbase for the walking paths is complete, ensuring a stable base for subsequent paving. Both the volleyball court and basketball court are ready for final surfacing, with sand already in place for the volleyball court and the subgrade set for the basketball court.

• Structural Deliveries and Installations: A significant development this week will be the delivery of the glulam structure and roof decking, essential components for the amphitheater’s main structure.

• Paving and Finishing Touches: The asphalt paving of the walking path and basketball court, scheduled for May 20, will mark the completion of these critical areas. Work on the shade structures will begin by the end of May, providing necessary protection and comfort for visitors.

• Completion Timeline: The project is on track for substantial completion by early August, with final touches wrapping up to declare the project complete by the end of August.

Tribal Police Station – Phase II

The Tribal Police Station has recently undergone extensive renovations in its second phase, with improvements designed to enhance operational efficiency and staff amenities. This phase of renovations, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and totaling $886,160, has brought several key upgrades to the facility:

• Facility Enhancements: The renovation included a comprehensive overhaul of several areas within the station. Locker rooms, squad rooms, IT closets, offices, restrooms, and the kitchen have all been updated to better serve the needs of the tribal police force.

• Specialized Spaces: New specialized rooms have been added, including an interview room, holding rooms, a laundry room, and a lactation room. These rooms provide essential services that support the diverse needs of the department’s personnel.

• Completion and Certification: The project has reached substantial completion, with all major construction work finished. A certificate of occupancy has been issued, confirming that the renovations meet all required safety and operational standards.

• Final Touches and Move-In: Minor repairs to the parking lot are the only remaining tasks. The police station is scheduled for staff move-in by mid-May, marking the end of the renovation project.

Solid Waste Transfer Station Upgrades

The Solid Waste Transfer Station is receiving substantial upgrades, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and an Indian Health Service Sanitation Facilities Construction (IHS SDS) grant, aimed at enhancing waste management capabilities within the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe territory.

• Phase I Enhancements: With a budget of $2,206,432, this phase includes the addition of new equipment and the construction of a new Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) specifically for handling commercial waste. Safety improvements and grading have also been a focus, enhancing the overall functionality and safety of the facility.

• Phase IA and II Developments: The combined budget for these phases is $2,562,175. Phase IA is dedicated to rebuilding the residential waste drop-off area, ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly environment. Phase II includes extensive infrastructure improvements such as the extension of the water main, installation of a new scale and septic system, and the construction of new office spaces. These updates are essential for supporting the increased demands on the facility and ensuring efficient operations.

Kahrhakà:ion Walking Trail

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is advancing the development of the Kahrhakà:ion Walking Trail, enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for the community. This project, funded by the Community Development Fund, is set to provide a scenic walking path through the former Wuersching property.

• Trail Features: The walking trail will extend approximately 1.5 miles through a wooded area.

• Construction Plans: AES Northeast has completed the trail design, which is currently in the bidding phase. This preparation ensures that construction will be managed efficiently, adhering to planned timelines and budgets.

• Access and Amenities: The plans include a small parking area close to Route 37.

Construction of the Kahrhakà:ion Walking Trail is planned to commence within the year 2024.

Sub-Chief Agnes Jacobs provided an in-depth update on the plans for the new Mohawk School, emphasizing how the new facilities are designed to meet the educational and cultural needs of the Akwesasne community.

The presentation highlighted several key aspects of the new building’s design drawn from the feasibility study:

• Spacious and Functional Layout: The new design addresses the current building’s limitations by creating larger, more functional educational spaces that avoid the cramped and congested conditions of the old structure.

• Cultural and Language Education: Central to the new design is a robust integration of Mohawk cultural elements. Plans include spaces specifically for the teaching of the Mohawk language and cultural practices, ensuring these critical aspects of tribal identity are nurtured.

• Safety Improvements: Addressing current security concerns, the new school will incorporate advanced safety features and a design that facilitates easier monitoring and safer student movement.

• Environmental Considerations: Reflecting the Mohawk respect for nature, the school will feature environmentally sustainable design elements, including outdoor learning spaces that connect students directly with their natural surroundings.

• Comparative Advantages: Jacobs detailed how the new facilities would compare favorably to regional schools like Salmon River ES, with superior amenities that include better-equipped classrooms for STEAM education, a modern auditorium, and sports facilities, all designed to enhance student learning and community engagement.

• Community and Cultural Integration: The plan includes multiple areas designed for community gatherings and cultural events, underscoring the school’s role as a community hub. This includes art installations and communal spaces that celebrate Mohawk heritage.

Jacobs elaborated on the benefits these new facilities would provide, particularly focusing on how they would support a comprehensive educational experience that respects and promotes Mohawk traditions while providing a state-of-the-art learning environment.

The community’s reaction to the presentation was positive, showing strong support for the forward-looking features of the new school, which promises to be a cornerstone for future generations in Akwesasne.

During the new business segment, the discussion turned to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, where a community member highlighted the significance of prioritizing employment for Akwesasronon and enhancing community involvement in its operations. This discussion evolved into an attempt to discuss personnel matters at the casino.

Despite several community members expressing a strong desire to discuss these issues further, the Tribal Council firmly declined any public conversation on the matter. They asserted that such matters were prohibited from being discussed openly due to SRMT policies.

When asked for comment Chair Conners responded, “That type of discussion brought us backward decades regarding how a community meeting operates in Akwesasne. That type of discussion reminded us why the rules of conduct for meetings were put in place over 15 years ago and reinforced via referendum. We do our best to keep meetings on track, on agenda, and professional. Gossip is not for the floor at community meetings.”

One community member, who told the crowd how much he values the paper for the community, expressed support for Indian Time as a local news outlet. The crowd appeared to agree and recognized the importance of a community newspaper.

Chief Conners closed the meeting with reminders for the community, ensuring everyone was aware of upcoming events and sessions and maintaining the engagement and informed status of the tribal members.

 

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