Latest news with #MohawkCouncilofKanesatake
Hamilton Spectator
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Lawmaking ratification vote announced in Kanesatake
Kanesatake currently has one law on the books: the law to make laws. Now the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) is following through on its vow to put a slate of Kanesatake laws to a ratification vote before the end of the term, even if the timing of the vote - just two weeks before the general election - is sure to raise some eyebrows. 'Personally, my belief is that this will lead to a better outcome for the community than whoever gets elected,' said MCK chief Brant Etienne, who has argued that the suite of legislation - a trespass law, a land protection law, a code of ethics, and an emergency law - is needed to equip Council to confront the serious problems plaguing the community. 'We've had band councils come and go, and things aren't as safe and as good as things could be in the community,' he said, presenting the legislation as a structural step forward in the quest for law and order amid rampant environmental abuses and other security concerns. For instance, under the draft Mohawks of Kanesatake Land Protection Law, people could be charged for environmental offences on the territory, such as illegal dumping, that could be tried in the Court of Quebec, with penalties that could include a fine up to $5,000 or two years less a day imprisonment. Each of the four laws will be voted upon separately. Voting day for the ratification is set for July 19 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Ratihén:te High School gym. Kanehsata'kehró:non will also have the opportunity to vote online using OneFeather. Electronic voting on the platform opens 8 a.m. on July 5 and runs until 8 p.m. on July 19. More information on how to vote is available on the MCK website. Whereas the Custom Electoral Code that governs Kanesatake elections makes no mention of electronic voting or forms of voting not outlined in the code, the Kanesatake Law-Making Process (KLMP) dictates that when laws are put to a community vote - which is not strictly necessary under the law - voters can cast their ballot in person and 'through any other platform deemed appropriate by the MCK.' The lawmaking law was ushered in this February. According to the KLMP, at least 20 percent of eligible voters must cast a ballot for the result to be considered valid, with 50 percent plus one being sufficient to signal approval of a law. According to Etienne, there are probably more than 2,500 eligible voters, suggesting at least 500 people or more need to vote on the laws for the ratifications to carry. 'It's simply part of the consultation process. Technically speaking, we've already reached the minimum threshold for passing the law for Council passing it, but with this being the first set of actual laws, Council thought it was best to have a community referendum on it,' said Etienne. 'Hopefully, it shows that the community is in favour of this.' However, with Council's four-year mandate coming to an end at the end of the same month, the timing is not accepted in all corners, with presumptive candidate for MCK chief Amanda Simon already making it an election issue. 'The lawmaking process being pursued by the current quorum of five, in the final stretch of their mandate, is not only questionable - it is irresponsible and dangerous,' said Simon. While she has also professed a belief in the need for Kanesatake to have its own laws, she has objected to the process pursued by the current Council. 'For over three decades, Kanesatake has needed foundational laws - laws grounded in community consultation, traditional governance, and legal clarity. And yet now, as we approach the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Oka Crisis, this outgoing Council has chosen to introduce sweeping laws at the sunset of their term, propped up by lawyers, consultants, and political mouthpieces, while ousting the grand chief and silencing dissent,' said Simon, referring to the independent Ethics Commission ruling that Victor Bonspille had vacated his position as grand chief in response to an appeal he launched against the Council majority's sanctions against him. 'This is not lawmaking - it is damage control disguised as governance. You do not resolve 35 years of legislative neglect in less than a year,' Simon said. She criticized the consultations that have been held to date as inadequate and questioned why more information from the sessions, such as who participated and what they said, have not been published. 'It is chaos wrapped in chaos - and it betrays both the spirit and the process of good governance. Kanesatake deserves better,' she said. 'We deserve laws - but not like this.' Etienne defended the timing, noting that the proposed laws and lawmaking process itself have been in the works for quite a while. The first consultation on the lawmaking process was held nearly a year ago. 'Council has the mandate and the ability to govern in the best interests of the community,' said Etienne when asked why Council did not instead campaign on the laws for passage in the next term. 'It would be a dereliction of duty to just put it off for convenience's sake and hoping to use it as a bonus in an election campaign.' The draft laws were worked on by First Peoples Law, which drafted the process as well, leading community workshops on the topic. Etienne acknowledged practical difficulties in the vote being so close to the election, noting the need to ensure people don't get the two votes confused. The MCK general election is being held August 2. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Want to run for Kanesatake's Council?
With the notice of nominations posted Wednesday, it's time for those considering vying for a seat on the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) to begin organizing their candidacies. The nomination period will run from Wednesday, June 25, to Friday, June 27, with six seats as chief and one seat as grand chief up for grabs. During those dates, each nominee and their nominator must present themselves in person between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and submit their paperwork to the chief electoral officer at the Kanesatake Education Center. Those who would like to run can contact chief electoral officer Graeme Drew by email at starting from June 18 at 8 a.m. to obtain the nomination forms. To be eligible to run for an MCK seat, prospective candidates must be a member of the Mohawks of Kanesatake, have 'had their place of ordinary residence for not less than three years' before the election, have lived in the J0N 1E0 postal code, be of Kanesatake Mohawk ancestry, and be at least 18 years old by June 27. Anyone convicted of a criminal offense without a pardon or record suspension, except if the offense involves the exercise of Indigenous rights, is ineligible, as well as those who have outstanding financial debts to the MCK or its departments. Those who have been removed by a vote of non-confidence following due process since the ratification of the Custom Electoral Code or have been previously suspended from the MCK because of being charged with a criminal offense, unless that person has been acquitted, are also ineligible. Candidates for grand chief must have already served a full term on Council, which is defined as four years. Anyone interested in running will need a nominator who is on the voter list, is of Kanesatake Mohawk ancestry, and is at least 18 years old by June 27. Each nominator can put forward a maximum of one candidate for chief and one for grand chief. Candidacies must also be seconded in writing by an elector, but the seconder does not have to present themselves in person like the nominee and nominator do. Electors can second more than one candidate. A provisional list of candidates will be posted on June 29, shortly after the nomination period closes, and candidates on the list can be contested by those concerned about their eligibility until July 1. On July 4, the final list of candidates will be posted for the August 2 election. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Electoral officer defends online voting for Kanesatake election
The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) election season is officially underway, with important dates now outlined, but the plan to introduce online voting has already garnered controversy. A section on the MCK website is now dedicated to providing information on the election, which will be held August 2, with advance polls on July 26 and online voting opening July 27 through election day. The deadline to request a mail-in or mobile voting ballot is July 18. 'The first thing we posted was a timeline of the key dates and steps throughout the process as defined in the Custom Electoral Code,' said Graeme Drew, the election's chief electoral officer, noting some minor adjustments had to be made to account for anticipated holidays. Drew has managed around 80 elections and other votes in Indigenous communities since 2014. He is a proponent of providing an online voting option to community members, even if the electoral code does not outline this as an option. 'Given there's threats of another postal strike or pending disruption to that service, that's the only other way that people living away from the community would be able to cast a ballot, and disenfranchising voters is a very serious issue,' he said, noting that more than half of Kanesatake's members live off the territory, according to available statistics. Even when there is no labour threat, he said he has encountered issues with the reliability of mail-in ballots in the past, although these will continue to be offered. He has emphasized that the inclusion of online voting would be an additive method, not taking away from any of the voting means outlined in the Custom Electoral Code. 'With online voting, I've heard people concerned about it, but I haven't heard anybody give me a good reason why. What's the response to, what about your members that can't come in and vote, and if there's a postal strike, how do they get it? They deserve a chance to cast a ballot just like you do,' said Drew. 'If anyone can give me a real good answer for that, I might revisit it, but it's a pretty hard one to argue.' He said the code is 10 years old and suggested perhaps that's why it doesn't name online voting as an option, but he believes the change would stand up to scrutiny. 'I don't make amendments or procedural adjustments to a code like this unless I'm pretty confident that the rationale for it is sound and solid in the event that someone could challenge it,' he said. There is time to discuss it further, however, he said, noting he'll be back in the community for the nomination period in June, and he's always open to changing course while there's still time. 'There has to be more to it, though, than just that it's (not) in the code because to me, that doesn't provide a reasonable solution for my concern, which is that a lot of members might be disenfranchised from being able to vote.' Multiple likely candidates in the upcoming election have publicly criticized the plan to incorporate online voting despite it not being sanctioned by the Kanesatake Custom Electoral Code. 'Online voting is not a legal option for voting in the 2015 electoral code. Therefore, it is illegal and must be revoked as a method of voting, period,' said Amanda Simon, who has already announced her candidacy. 'This is not responsible governance. This is rewriting the rules mid-game - and it undermines trust, law, and the voice of the people,' she said, dismissing fears of a potential postal strike, which she said 'does not grant anyone legal carte blanche.' She said a failure to uphold the code puts the legitimacy of the election at risk. Victor Bonspille, who was ruled to have vacated his seat by the MCK Ethics Commission but still claims the title of grand chief, expressed a similar sentiment on his social media, urging community members to contact the electoral officer and posting his phone number. 'Some people are against it for whatever reason, but we're not taking anything away from the procedures,' said MCK chief Serge Otsi Simon. He acknowledged that the inclusion of online voting could be the basis of contestation, but said that despite this discomfort he still sides with colleagues on Council that the change is justified. He believes the results would be upheld, he added. 'We have members, yes, that live outside, some in Montreal, some in Quebec. We even have some in Florida, Texas, and Arizona,' he said. He said he's seen late mail-in ballots result in disenfranchised voters in the past. 'It's basically offering people a better choice to exercise their right to have a say in who manages the community,' he said. 'I'm really asking, why would you be against people exercising the right to vote through online voting? Isn't that enhancing the democratic process?' Drew has already heard from some Kanesatake members with concerns relating to online voting and to the election timeline. The election date has already been another major point of contention this cycle, with the code explicitly instructing that elections take place the second Saturday of June, while simultaneously defining a term as four years - the previous election was held July 31, 2021. While Drew has acknowledged this discrepancy, he previously affirmed that he believes it is valid to hold the election according to the four-year guideline, and he said it is nevertheless not possible at this point to hold a June election. 'There's nothing we can really do to unwind the clock,' he said. A voter list is being posted today, May 30, and the notice of nomination period goes up June 11, with that period running from June 25-27. A provisional list of candidates is expected June 29, with a final list to follow on July 4, leaving about four weeks before election day. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
26-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Input sought on housing pilot in Kanesatake
Following an announcement in November that the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) had secured funding for new social housing, community input is being solicited on plans for a pilot project to build the homes with local labour. 'We want them to be part of the process because it helps buy in,' said MCK chief Amy Beauvais, who is on the housing portfolio. 'It helps them be aware of what's going on every step of the way, so we'll have less likelihood of people saying we had no idea. We don't want that. We don't want people feeling like they're left in the dark. We want them to feel like they're right there with us moving this forward.' The meeting takes place tonight, (Friday, May 23), and will include an overview of the project and a workshop. 'It's a pilot project, so we are proposing that we change from the typical stick homes to rammed earth. We will be identifying the benefits of it,' Beauvais said. When the idea was announced, Beauvais explained the material is durable, energy-efficient, and resistant to fire and mold. 'It's a solution that's been needed because of the housing crisis,' said Beauvais. 'Within that housing crisis there's mold issues and other things that the rammed earth is addressing, that's going to help. I think it's a very logical, viable, feasible solution for the community,' said Beauvais. 'I wish we could build more, but it's got to start somewhere, and I'm hoping it'll gain momentum and people will see how amazing these homes actually are going to be for the community.' The plans resulted in the project being moved to a different funding stream meant to support innovation, according to Beauvais, necessitating a feasibility study that is expected to wrap up around September. 'It's unfortunate, but it also gives us more time to prepare and more time for the schooling aspect to be set up too,' Beauvais said. The proposal includes an intention to bring a skills training certificate (AEP) program to the community that could serve to enhance not only the community's housing stock but also its labour force, according to Beauvais. This could prove useful in the long run if the project were to be replicated year after year, she said. The pilot project is expected to see two to three triplexes built, for a total of six to nine units. A location on MCK-managed land has been selected for these, Beauvais said, but she would not elaborate further. 'It won't be out of place,' she said. Prospective tenants may be asked to put in a certain number of hours into the construction. 'That idea was put forth to give the tenant more of a personal connection with where they're going to be living, so it's not just a house, it's a home,' said Beauvais. Tenants will be selected according to a points system, Beauvais said, which is currently being devised. It could include factors such as how many family members there are, how many children under 18 years old, whether there are disabilities, and other criteria. 'I hope that the community sees it for what I see it as. It's more than just a project. It's more than just housing. This is meant to unite our people again. It's meant to give hope, to show that there is a better tomorrow coming.' The meeting takes place at Ratihén:te High School tonight, May 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pizza and beverages will be offered, and families are welcome. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Kanesatake election legit, says electoral officer
The chief electoral officer selected to oversee the upcoming Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) election acknowledged a contradiction in the electoral code but confirmed he believes it is legitimate to abide by a four-year term. 'As far as my position goes, I wouldn't be taking the appointment if I wasn't comfortable with proceeding despite the fact that one provision is not being maintained on the timing,' said Graeme Drew, who is a certified electoral officer with experience managing around 80 elections and other votes for Indigenous communities since 2014. The provision he refers to is the Kanesatake Custom Electoral Code's mandated election date of the second Saturday in June, which equates to June 14 this year. However, the code also defines a term as four years, and the previous election was held on July 31, 2021; at the time, the delay was attributed largely to complications owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The MCK has said Council will be dissolved July 31 ahead of an August 2 election. The timing is a crucial question, not least because the code dictates that only a chief who has completed a full term is eligible to run for grand chief. According to Drew, such discrepancies are not unique to the community's code. 'This is not all that uncommon, quite honestly,' said Drew. 'There will be times when there are contradictory rules within an election code. I get asked quite often to review and critique and edit and write sections of codes for nations. When I do that, I try to ensure the dates for the election itself are not so prescriptive that it ties the hands of the electoral officer and the administration.' He said he always provides recommendations for future elections, and adjusting the language around the election date will likely be included in his advice. 'In the case of this here, the term of office is really important in terms of the leadership was elected for four years, and that four years will expire just around the time of when the election date will be,' he said. 'One argument can be made that they earned that right for the four-year term, and another argument can be made that it should have started earlier to make sure the June election date is achieved.' By the time the request for proposals went out, Drew added, it was for all intents and purposes impossible for a June 14 date to be met. 'By then it was too late,' he said. He suggested it would have been a good idea to amend the code since the last election to provide clarity for this year's contest. Amanda Simon, who has announced plans to run in the upcoming election, has been an indefatigable voice in demanding the June election date be met. 'At this point, it is too late to have any other date without breaching the timelines in the code anyway,' said Simon when informed that the electoral officer had weighed in on the election's legitimacy. 'I guess the quorum stacked their deck with lawyers giving their blessing, and now their BC chief electoral officer,' she added, a reference to Drew being based in British Columbia. MCK chief Serge Otsi Simon said Drew was selected for his experience. 'He's been around for quite some time. He has an impressive resume,' said Serge. 'The guy, I think he's very qualified because he also has a background in conflict resolution. I think for this election, we're going to need someone with that kind of background.' Drew will be travelling to Kanesatake next week, where he will meet with Council and MCK staff as he gets started on the task of administering the election. 'I have to earn some respect and trust with the incumbents and previous leaders and people that are running, and hopefully they'll see my intention is good in terms of trying to ensure that it's a fair election,' said Drew. He will be at arm's length from Council during the process, he said, communicating with staff rather than elected officials as he embarks on fulfilling his role, and he is committed to administering the election according to Kanesatake's electoral code, he said. 'I'm like the referee, and that's my rulebook,' he said. Drew suggested he is in favour of the plan for online voting to be used even though it is not included in the methods outlined in the electoral code, calling it an additive method – not taking away any established forms – with many advantages, especially for those who don't live on the territory. 'It's a very effective way to ensure as many people can vote as possible,' he said. Key dates pertaining to the election, such as those pertaining to advance voting and the nomination process, will soon be finalized, said Drew. marcus@ Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
