‘Justice Act’ passes Final Hearing on Wednesday

11/13/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is pleased to announce that the Kahnawà:ke Justice System Law – usually referred to as the ‘Justice Act’ – was given community formal ratification at last evening’s Third and Final Hearing.

As part of the process the Justice Act was officially read into the record at the start of the meeting, which was attended by twenty Kahnawa’kehró:non. Current and former Justice Portfolio Chiefs Christine Zachary-Deom and Mike Bush participated, as well as community representatives Jeremiah Johnson, Dale Dione and Chris Bush. The actual reading of the eighteen (18) page document took about forty minutes.

Director of Justice Services Ron Skye then opened the floor for questions and comments. After approximately one hour of discussion, the community members were asked if the law respected the spirit and intent of the original mandate to move forward, which was given in February of 2010. Approval was given, which was followed by a round of applause from those present.

“It was very reassuring to see that, with people of differing viewpoints in attendance, the community came together and voiced its approval,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “It was very satisfying. This may sound like a cliché, but now our work begins. We’re going to meet with the federal and provincial governments. This is a victory for our jurisdiction. It’s time to get out there and build it, promote it, defend it and – most of all – use it.”

“Congratulations to Ron Skye, his team and all of the community members who participated in the process since day one,” he added. “This is a red letter day for Kahnawà:ke.”

The Justice Act will be formally signed into law through a Mohawk Council resolution by Chief & Council in the coming weeks, with a date expected to be announced shortly.