Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe held a Community Consultation meeting on Draft Residency Ordinance on Monday, October 16, 2107 in their main lobby. The focus of this meeting is to begin to develop a residency survey for the community of Akwesasne. Once the survey is completed, the information gathered will be used for the basis of a draft residency ordinance. Tribal members would vote on the draft residency ordinance in the form of a Tribal referendum.

During the meeting a rough timeline was developed; a draft survey developed by February or March 2018 and to hold a residency referendum in the summer of 2018.

During the meeting other discussion formulated naturally and focused on; blood quantum, lineage, rental properties and renting to non-SRMT members, current laws, treaties, development of a residency board and banishment. A brainstorming session also took place to create survey questions.

It was suggested to review MCA’s Residency laws.

A Community Consultation meeting was also held on October 2, 2017 with an attendance of 22 community residents. With the amount of work to be completed it was suggested to meet every two week, possibly weekly. The next Community Consultation meeting will take place on Monday, October 30, at 6pm. Two consecutive meetings will be held on Monday, November 13 and Monday, November 20 at 6pm. All Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal members are encouraged to attend.

If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Lazore-Thompson, SRMT Staff Attorney, at danielle.lazore-thompson@srmt-nsn.gov or (518)358-2272. All Tribal member are welcomed to attend.