Membership Law consultation April 16 recap

04/18/2013

The Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission (KLCC) wishes to update Kahnawa’kehró:non on the results of the fifth Community Consultation on amendments to the Kahnawà:ke Membership Law that took place on Tuesday, 16 Onerahtókha/April.

Over 30 people participated in the meeting, which began at 6:07pm. As is the nature of the process, time was a major factor. There was a failure to reach consensus in Group 3 on the first section of the Law. To keep things moving the other two groups did preparatory work for the next topic (“Who should be responsible for administering the law?”) while Group 3 deliberated.

The KLCC recognizes that the lack of consensus in Group 3 caused frustration for some participants in the other groups. While the process is recognized for being thorough, there will be adjustments made to once again find ways to meet the concerns of the participants and keep all participants engaged.

“While we are pleased with the recent turnout, one of the problems that we have experienced is that newer participants have to play catch-up,” explained KLCC Coordinator Kahente Horn-Miller. “We will try to ensure that new participants will be asked to join one of the groups that are not in the midst of preparing for their presentation. This will give them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the process and absorb the information.”

“The vast majority of people who have participated in the Community Decision Making Process have been very pleased with the it,” she added. “We must reiterate that the KLCC is always working at improving the process and will continue to make every effort to make necessary adjustments that respond to community members’ complaints or suggestions. It’s the people’s process – we always have to remember that.”

The next Community Consultation will take place on Thursday, 9 Onerahtohkó:wa/May. The specific item to be discussed will, once again, be Membership criteria. Relevant documents and information are available at the Membership Office (located at the Social Development Unit) or online at www.kahnawakemakingdecisions.com.