MCK releases Chronology of Events re- education Issues

09/20/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced it is making a document available to the community that will assist in explaining why Chief & Council temporarily suspended the authority of the Kahnawake Combined Schools Committee (KCSC).

A Chronology of Events has been compiled that begins on 23, Tsothohrkó:wa/January 2012 (the date that Education Portfolio Chiefs Kenneth McComber and Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer learned of the dismissal of then Director of Education Donna Lahache) and ends with the MCK’s decision taken on 27, Seskéha/August, 2012.

“It is our firm belief that, once people are able to view this document, most will come to the realization that Chief & Council made this difficult decision with the betterment of the education system in mind,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “We have said, from the very beginning, that we did not want to become involved in these issues – that it was a matter for the parents and the KCSC. But the issues continued to grow and become more complex and, after eight months, we decided to act.” 

The Chronology (attached) is available for viewing on the MCK website (www.kahnawake.com). Copies may also be obtained at the main offices of the MCK. 

An Interim Board of Trustees has begun working towards addressing and correcting problems related to the Constitution, of which several different versions have been quoted from and identified.

“While it is a daunting task, we have to have faith that this work will be completed,” Chief Delisle continued. “We are all Mohawks. We have far more in common with each other than differences. We share the same concerns for the future and understand the need to provide our children with the best education possible. This is not a political issue. We must find a way to accommodate the wishes of all parents in order to restore the authority where it belongs.”