Kahnawake Justice System Law heading down homestretch

02/05/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform the community that consensus was reached on Sections 5 through 9 of the Second Draft of the proposed Kahnawà:ke Justice System Law.

Consensus has now been reached on twenty-seven of the twenty-eight total clauses in the draft. Clause 28, which contains definitions of terms used within the law, and a question on whether prospective judges should be required to be of Native descent are the only two remaining issues that need to be finalized.

“There is definitely light at the end of this tunnel,” said Ron Skye, Director of Justice Services. “There was some inspired discussion last evening, and the group suggested a couple of minor changes that helped clarify the document. With a little luck, we could have consensus on the Second Draft by the next meeting. We are definitely in the homestretch.”

Copies of the draft law are available at the Court of Kahnawà:ke in the village area, the MCK main office, or online at www.kahnawakemakingdecisions.com.

The proposed law is now in its Second Reading which, in the Community Decision Making Process, takes place once a second draft of a proposed law or amendment to a law is completed. Once that process is completed, a final draft will be presented for a formal Third Reading and signed into law.

The next Community Consultation is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 Enníska/February, from 6pm to 8:30pm at the Golden Age Club.