Proposed Kahnawà:ke Act Hearings to Continue Next Wednesday

10/01/2009

The Interim Legislative Coordinating Committee would like to inform the community that the hearings for a proposed Kahnawà:ke justice system will continue next Wednesday, 7 Kenténha/October at the Karonhianónhnha School gym from 6:30 to 9pm. Last night’s hearing, which was attended by over approximately 85 people, was the first to use the new Community Decision Making Process.

In its request for a mandate to develop a justice system, the Justice Commission is asking four questions as it asks the community for a mandate to proceed with a justice system. Last night, the first question, “Should Kahnawà:ke have a justice system?” was answered. After several rounds of discussion, the three groups were successful in achieving consensus with this response:

“Yes, we want a unique system of justice that better responds to our community’s needs and continues to respect our traditions that are built upon values and principles such as peace, power and righteousness, harmony, good mind and respect,”

The next three questions are:

1. What issues or concerns should the justice system address?
2. Would you prefer the Justice Commission develop a working document or would you prefer to use this forum to develop the system?
3. Should judgments, orders and decisions from a justice system be recognized outside the Territory?

People are being asked to arrive a few minutes early so that the hearings begin on time.

Log onto www.kahnawakemakingdecisions.com to keep up to date on the Community Decision Making Process.