Tsiothohrhkó:wa/January 10, 2023

EXTERNAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

MCA CONDOLENCES FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS OF DIANE KING

With sadness, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne announces the passing of long-time employee Diane King. Diane started her career as a nurse in 1984 and has worked for the past 25 years as a Community Health Nurse with the MCA Department of Health.

Throughout her years with the Department of Health, Diane was instrumental in various program initiatives, such as Big Bike for Heart & Stroke, Akwesasne Cancer Support Group, Mammogram Days, Tobacco Prevention/Cessation, and numerous health fairs. Diane was passionate about women’s health and was also a valuable resource for many programs and agencies in the area of Infection Prevention and Control.

Diane could always be seen serving our community with a smile; that care and compassion also extended to her colleagues, who could always count on Diane for a listening ear or gentle encouragement in hard times.

The Community Health Program is home to a special article of clothing known as “Diane’s Sweater” — this sweater has been around and utilized by CHP staff for many years. It will continue to hang and be worn in the Community Health office, a pleasant reminder of the warmth and comfort provided by Diane.

We extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and our staff mourning her loss. Please keep Diane and her loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Please be informed that the Community Health Program will be closed for the day on Thursday, January 12 in observance of Diane’s funeral services. Nia:wen.

MCA COMMUNITY MEETINGS FOR JANUARY 2023

Please see below for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s community meeting dates for this month:

DISTRICT MEETINGS:

• Tsi Snaihne | Tsiothohrhkó:wa/January 16 @ 6 p.m. (Snye Recreation)

• Kawehno:ke | Tsiothohrhkó:wa/January 16 @ 6 p.m. (Kawehno:ke Recreation Center)

• Kana:takon | Tsiothohrhkó:wa/January 23 @ 6 p.m. (St. Regis Recreation)

GENERAL MEETING:

• Kawehno:ke | Tsiothohrhkó:wa/January 26 @ 6 p.m. (Kawehno:ke Recreation)

The MCA General Meeting will be a hybrid event (in-person and virtual). To receive the Zoom link or submit your questions for Council, please email meetings@akwesasne.ca.

If you have any questions, please contact Mohawk Government at 613-575-2250.

AKWESASNE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LAW:

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SESSIONS

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne through MCR 2020/2021 - #265, dated January 19, 2021, established a Working Task Group to draft an emergency response law.

 The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne through MCR 2022/2023 - #173, dated October 2, 2022, “Accepts in Principle” the Draft Emergency Management Law, dated September 26, 2022.

 The draft law will now proceed to Phase III of the Akwesasne Legislative Enactment Procedural Regulation – Community Consultation.

 The purpose of the law is to:

Protect the health, safety, and welfare of persons within the Territory during a declared State of Emergency;

Protect the environment and economy within the Territory;

Implement emergency response measures that are appropriate for Akwesasne;

Harmonize Akwesasne’s emergency response measures with neighboring jurisdictions; and

Provide guidance with respect to the enforcement of emergency orders in Akwesasne.

 The Mohawks of Akwesasne have the right to preserve and promote the health, safety, and welfare of members during emergencies, and to maintain law and order in the Territory.

Community Consultation Sessions to present the draft law to the community for feedback and comments have been coordinated as follows:

Monday, January 30, 2023

Kawehno:ke Recreation Centre (6-8 p.m.)

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Kana:takon Recreation Centre (6-8 p.m.)

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Snye Homemakers (6-8 p.m.)

PLEASE NOTE: Should there be no community members in attendance by 6:30 p.m. in any given session, the session will be considered closed.

Appointments to provide your comments/feedback can be arranged by contacting the Justice Coordinator at 613-575-2250 ext. 2403. Comments can also be emailed to connie.lazore@akwesasne.ca.

AKWESASNE RESIDENCY LAW AMENDMENTS:

REQUEST FOR COMMUNITY INPUT

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne through MCR #2022/2023 - #069 dated June 6, 2022, accepted the Legislative Development Priorities Survey Results.

Law to be Amended: Residency Law

A Working Task Group (WTG) was identified by MCR 2022/2023 - #078 dated June 27, 2022, consisting of (2) Oversight Committee Members (Community member & Justice Portfolio Chief), Executive Director, OVS Representative, Akwesasne Membership Board Chairperson, and (2) Executive Services Portfolio Chiefs.

The WTG has begun meeting to review the law, establish a work plan and schedule, and to initiate Phase I – Law Development Process of the Legislative Enactment Procedural Regulations. Phase I includes Community Input.

The WTG is seeking community input on potential amendments to the Residency Law. It is important to ensure all opinions are presented, discussed, and considered for an amended Residency Law. The WTG will work to develop a draft for Council consideration to “Accept in Principle”. The draft will then be shared with the community for consultation.

Please take the time to review the Akwesasne Residency Law dated May 22, 1997 accepted by resolution 1997/98-#60. If you would like to provide comments to the Working Task Group to consider, please do so via:

• Email: connie.lazore@akwesasne.ca

• Phone: 613-575-2250 ext. 2403

• Delivery: Akwesasne Justice Department (Angus Mitchell Memorial Building in Kana:takon)

Deadline for comments: Friday, February 3, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Please feel free to contact the Akwesasne Justice Department through the above-noted email address, phone number or the MCA website to obtain a copy of the Residency Law.