If you reside within the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s jurisdiction, are you aware that new Canadian legislation on Matrimonial Real Property will give Canada the right to determine how your property is divided should your family separate? Unless the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne passes a referendum to accept its own Couples Property Law, called Iatathrona Raotiientahtsera Law, Canada will apply their rules to our households and families.

Akwesasne’s Couples Property Law was written by Akwesasne community members who understand Mohawk culture and traditions. Passing this law keeps the decision-making power within Akwesasne.

Canada is requiring First Nations to meet a certain threshold of voters in order for a referendum on couples property to be valid. Previously, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne held a referendum to accept the Couples Property - Iatathrona Raotiientahtsera Law. While it was approved by voters, the number of participants did not satisfy Canada’s threshold requirement. This requirement is 25 percent of eligible voter participation, or 1,983 member votes. To meet the threshold, a second referendum is currently underway and is the very first Mohawk Council of Akwesasne referendum to utilize 100 percent online voting. Voting is simple: Visit AkwesasneSimplyVoting.com to cast your vote from now through March 31, 2015.

MCA voting staff will be going door-to-door beginning on February 16, 2015 equipped with electronic tablets to facilitate community members casting their votes. Additional details on door to door voting will be released next week.

If you wish to see the decision making power remain in Akwesasne for matters related to family property, please participate in this referendum. More information can be found on the MCA website, http://www.akwesasne.ca.

Visit AkwesasneSimplyVoting.com to quickly cast your vote, or contact the Chief Electoral Officer Leona Benedict for assistance in voting. She can be reached by calling 613-575-2250 x2406 or 613-551-1622 (cell), or by emailing leona.benedict@akwesasne.ca