Kahnaw�:ke, Quebec Agree to Move Forward

06/12/2009

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) is announcing the signing of two important agreements with the Government of Quebec on Wednesday, 10 Ohiar�:ha/June.

Grand Chief Michael Ahr�hrhon Delisle, Jr., Premier Jean Charest and Quebec Native Affairs Minister Pierre Corbeil signed a Statement of Understanding and Mutual Respect that will provide a basis for intergovernmental relations between Kahnaw�:ke and Quebec.

As well, Minister Corbeil signed the Framework Agreement that will provide the blueprint for the renewal/renegotiation of the Agreements (known in Kahnaw�:ke as �the Ten Agreements�) originally signed in 1999. Three new subject matters have been added to the original ten, including Labor Relations, the Return of the Highway 30 Lands to Kahnaw�:ke, and the Rehabilitiation of the 207.

Chief Johnny Montour will sign for the MCK upon his return to the office. It will then be sent to Quebec�s Minister Responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs, Jacques Dupuis, for his signature. This will complete the process and the Framework Agreement will officially come into effect.

�This was a very significant day,� said Grand Chief Delisle. �We now have the formal table set, where we can roll up our sleeves and get to work on the many issues that affect our relationship.�

�This is a step forward in the relationship between Quebec and the Mohawks of Kahnaw�:ke based on mutual respect and dialogue,� said Premier Charest. �This agreement augurs well for our common future together.�

The Statement of Understanding and Mutual Respect is available for viewing on www.kahnawake.com.