AKWESASNE COURT RATIIANERENHSERAKWENIÉNHSTHA (JUSTICES) TO BE SWORN IN AT MCA GENERAL MEETING
The Akwesasne Review Commission is pleased to announce the swearing-in of four Justices for the Akwesasne Court. The Akwesasne Review Commission welcomes:
Alexandra David
Brooke (Mellani) Martin
Rhonda Garrow
Theresa Thompson
The Akwesasne Justice Department Director, Joyce M. King, will administer the Oath of Appointment for the new Justices. The Swearing-in Ceremony will take place during the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s General Meeting on April 28th, 2022. The General Meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Kana:takon Recreation Center.
The Akwesasne Justice Department sent out a public call-out for interested persons to participate in training sessions to become a Justice (Ratiianerenhserakweniénhstha). The Akwesasne Justice Department contracted with the Canadian Institute on the Administration of Justice (CIAJ) to oversee the training. Christine O’Doherty, and her team from CIAJ, designed the Justice Training Program to meet Akwesasne’s uniqueness. Notable Justices, professors, and presenters from across Canada assisted in the training and in the design of mock trials. The Justice training was an intense 10-week session with follow-up classes held during the fall of 2021.
Fourteen participants attended the justice training and were awarded certificates. Additional sessions were completed and as a result, four Mohawk women met the qualifications to become a Justice.
In accordance with the Akwesasne Court Law, the Akwesasne Review Commission reviewed the eligibility requirements and appointed the four women to be a Ratiianerenhserakweniénhstha (Justice). The appointments were confirmed by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne through MCR 2021/22-#310.
The Akwesasne Court Law authorizes Ratiianerenhserakweniénhstha (Justices) to preside at the Akwesasne Court to hear the following matters:
- Indian Act Offences
- Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Laws and By-laws
- Protection Orders (Peace bonds/Skennen Orders)
- Court-ordered Mediation Services
- Contract Disputes
It is our pleasure to announce the swearing-in of the Akwesasne Court Ratiianerenhserakweniénhstha (Justices).
We would like to acknowledge and thank the Department of Justice Canada for the grant funding for the Justice training sessions and COVID-19 relief funds.
If you have any questions, please contact the Akwesasne Court at 613-575-2250 ext. 1025.