KAHNAWAKE, QC, April 17,
2024 /CNW/ - The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK)
and the Government of Canada have
taken a significant step towards strengthening their relationship
and promoting self-determination for the Kanien'kehá:ka of
Kahnawà:ke. Today, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed,
outlining the relationship between the parties and the shared
objective of exploring negotiations mandates to establish
inter-governmental agreements between the parties in various
sectors.
Officially titled the Memorandum of Understanding on the
Kanien'kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke and Canada Relations: a New Path
Forward, the MOU was signed by Ohén:ton Í:iente ne
Ratitsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, and the Honourable Gary
Anandasangaree, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. This
historic agreement sets the stage for exploring renewed
relationships on subject matters such as lands, environment,
registration, gaming, justice, fiscal relations, consultation,
economic development, and child and family services. The agreement
will also foster working relationships on other subjects that may
arise.
The MOU signifies a renewed commitment to dialogue and
collaboration between the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and the
Government of Canada.
"We're happy to be entering into a renewed process to take
meaningful steps in several different areas that will positively
impact Kahnawa'kehró:non by ensuring that we work towards demanding
Canada respect Kahnawà:ke's
self-determination," expressed Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs
Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer. "It provides us with the opportunity to the
tackle federal barriers we currently face, as well as the space to
draft our own agreements to better meet the unique needs of our
community."
"As Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, I will work to
ensure the name of today's Memorandum of Understanding between our
two nations is more than just a name," said Minister of
Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree. "A New Path Forward
requires equal partnership, respect and understanding, and above
all, a shared desire to make the future better than the past. Those
are the commitments I am making today. More to do."
The signing of this MOU marks a significant milestone for the
Kanien'kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke and reflects the commitment of both
the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and the Government of Canada to work together in a spirit of good
faith and mutual respect.
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada