MCK Delegation travels to Ottawa for Chiefs Assemblies

12/02/2024

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community about several important meetings taking place outside the territory, which require the attendance of the External Government Relations (EGR) Portfolio Team and Technicians from the Office of the Council of Chiefs (OCC).

Today, Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo is in Ottawa to attend the Iroquois Caucus General Assembly. Ratsénhaienhs Jeffrey Diabo is also in Ottawa participating in preliminary discussions for the Assembly of First Nations’ (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly, which Is scheduled to run from December 3 to 5. On Tuesday, they will be joined by Nitsénhaienhs Iohahí:io Delisle and Ryan Montour, as well as OCC Technicians. Additionally, on Tuesday, Diabo will meet with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree at a Kahnawà:ke/Canada Relations table.

Key agenda items for discussion at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly include:

• Health, Healing, and Justice: Addressing systemic challenges in healthcare, mental health, and justice for First Nations people
• Infrastructure and Economic Development: Exploring solutions to improve infrastructure and create economic opportunities for First Nations communities
• Lands, Rights, and Justice: Focusing on the protection of land rights, additions to reserve process, tax exemption, and support for First Nations Schools class-action
• Long Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and Jordan’s Principle: Advocating for reforms to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and rights of First Nations children and families.

The Iroquois Caucus and AFN Special Chiefs Assembly are vital platforms for First Nations leaders to address pressing issues affecting their communities. The delegation is dedicated to ensuring that Kahnawà:ke’s voice is heard during these critical discussions.

"The presence of the entire EGR Portfolio team and some of our OCC Technicians at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly is crucial in taking full advantage of having so many political representatives all in one place,” said Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “Our goal is to hold meetings and establish new and diverse political relationships at the event, and their expertise and support are essential in advancing Kahnawà:ke’s interests."

The Delegation will return to Kahnawà:ke at the conclusion of the assembly.