MCK proposes using Akwesasne draft law as ‘starting point’ to counter Canada’s S-2 legislation

09/12/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced today that it will propose using draft legislation from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne as a ‘starting point’ to counter Canada’s S-2 legislation. The Federal legislation received Royal Assent on 19, Ohiarí:ha/June and S-2 will come into force one year from that date unless First Nations have their own laws in place.

The Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission (KLCC) accepted a request from the MCK to use the ‘Urgent Law-Making Process’ in the Community Decision Making Process to counter the Federal Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (S-2). The KLCC assigned the date of Wednesday, 25 Seskehkó:wa/September, at which time the community will be asked for a mandate to proceed with a Kahnawà:ke law.

Chief Lloyd Phillips met with representatives from Akwesasne on Friday, 6 Seskehkó:wa/ September, where it was agreed that the MCK could use the Akwesasne draft, which is known as the ‘Couples Property’ Law.

“We will make the draft available before the end of this week,” said Chief Phillips. “We appreciate that Akwesasne was so willing to meet and share their documents with us. This will make things much easier, as we won’t have to start from scratch to develop our law – should the community wish to proceed in that direction.”

The September 25th Community Hearing will be held from 6pm until 8:30pm at the Karonhianónhnha School gymnasium.