Justice Hearing Results

11/26/2009

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke would like to inform the community that there was no formal conclusion reached at last night’s Justice Commission hearing. Approximately 40 people were in attendance, a number that included Council Chiefs and support staff.

The question posed to the community was, “Should judgments, orders and decisions from a (Kahnawà:ke) justice system be recognized outside the Territory?” It is the third in a series of four questions being asked in the hopes of gaining a mandate to proceed with a Kahnawà:ke-based justice system.

While it appeared the group was close to reaching consensus, the three-hour time limit was reached and the session ended at that point.

“It is important for the community to know that most, if not all, participants agreed that any system that we develop will need to be recognized outside of Kahnawà:ke,” said Justice Portfolio Chief Mike Bush. “There are still issues of wording to be worked out. The discussions and deliberations were constructive and positive and we look forward to the next meeting.”

Importantly, participants requested they return to the same groups for the next hearing in order to continue the discussions where they left off. New participants will join the existing groups.

The date and location of the next hearing will be announced shortly.