Calling all future youth entrepreneurs — join us for a week-long business bootcamp that will be held from August 6-9! Participants will learn how to start their own business while being innovative and expressing their creativity.
Deadline to register: Wednesday, July 31
This workshop is for youth ages 14-18. 

To register or for more information, please contact Chantelle White (613-575-2250 ext. 1054 or chantelle.white@akwesasne.ca) or LaToya Rourke (518-358-4238 ext. 1506 or latoya.rourke@srmt-nsn.gov).

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne kicked off the second year of their term this month by gathering for a 2-day retreat at the Strathmere Inn in Ottawa.

The full 13-person Council attended for two days of discussions, planning, and prioritizing, with a mix of laughter, games and communication thrown into the mix.

Mohawk Government Support Manager Chelsea Francis facilitated the event and lead the chiefs through the various ice-breakers and planning sessions.

Priorities for the retreat included a review of the Council Strategic Plan and priorities, discussion on the roles and responsibilities of Council and staff, and what they expect or need from one another.

Council’s new strategic plan and goals continue to align with four main pillars/priorities:

1. Self-determination
2. Modernization
3. Sustainability
4. Well-being

The Council Strategic Plan includes 14 goals with plans or initiatives laid out for how to carry out and achieve each goal.

During the retreat, Council had the opportunity to discuss how they can reach their goals at the political level and how they will meet the goals set by the administrative side of the organization.

The retreat also allowed chiefs to discuss their portfolios (areas of focus) and some changes were made that will be shared with the community once they’re finalized.

“It brought the good minds back together,” said Tsi Snaihne District Chief Joe Lazore of the retreat, making reference to the traditional opening address that calls for good minds to come together at any gathering.

Newly elected Kawehno:ke District Chief Vanessa Adams, who was sworn in on June 13, 2019 following a by-election, said she appreciated the ice breaker events and the opportunity to get to know her fellow chiefs.

“Communication wise, it was a very good event for us,” she said.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is currently looking to fill one vacant seat on the Akwesasne Legislative Commission (ALC) for the district of Kana:takon.


The Akwesasne Legislative Commission was established to oversee, receive community input, and provide community guidance and direction in the development of Akwesasne Laws. In doing so, the Akwesasne Legislative Commission endeavors to protect the collective rights of the Mohawks of Akwesasne with specific instructions to maintain a good mind, acting in accordance with the principles of peace, respect, and fairness.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday, August 7 | 4:30 PM


Interested participants are required to complete an Akwesasne Legislative Commission Application, which is available at the Akwesasne Justice Department. Candidates are also required to submit a letter of interest outlining how the applicant meets the qualifications for appointment.

Click here to access the ALC callout and application: http://bit.ly/ALCApplication-July2019 

Join the Community Health program each week for FREE community-based fitness sessions from July through September!

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10 AM – 10:45 AM
Where: Tri-District Elders | Kawehno:ke

For more information, please contact Rachel George at 613-575-2341 ext. 3241 or at rachel.george@akwesasne.ca.  

August is Kinship Awareness Month — help us celebrate with a Family Fun Day filled with fun activities such as a photo booth, family obstacle course, music, food and prizes!

When: Thursday, August 15 | 5 PM – 7 PM
Where: Kana:takon Recreation Center

This community event is proudly sponsored by Akwesasne Child & Family Services in collaboration with Iakwa’shatste Youth Fitness, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, the MCA Community Health Program and the Kana:takon Recreation.

For more information, please contact Wanda, Angela or Alicia at 613-575-2341 ext. 3139. 

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Office of Vital Statistics will be hosting Will Writing Workshops for the community.

Some of the topics to be discussed will cover the importance of making a will, ensuring your land is in order, drafting a will and more.

Attend any of our community information sessions:

Tsi Snaihne — Akwesasne Homemakers

Thursday, August 15 | 10 AM – 1 PM 

Kana:takon — Kana:takon Recreation Center

Thursday, August 22 | 10 AM – 1 PM 

Kawehno:ke — Tri-District Elders

Thursday, August 22 | 11 AM – 2 PM

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact OVS at 613-575-2250 ext. 1013. Please see attached.

Commencing Monday, July 29, 2019, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service will be conducting a Community Satisfaction Survey on policing services as it prepares to re-vamp their Business Operating Plan.

Members of the community will be contacted at random by telephone to complete a brief 5-minute telephone survey. Officers will also distribute copies of the survey to community members that will include a self-addressed stamped envelope to return the completed survey. Copies of the survey may also be picked up at the front desk reception, completed and returned.

Members can expect questions related to their perception of police effectiveness, their sense of safeness in the community, the importance of community programs, safety and crime concerns, and future policing priorities. Members should be assured that no personal identifying information such as their name or home address will be asked at any time during the course of the interview.

The survey will take place from July 29, 2019 to August 31, 2019. The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service would like to thank you in advance for your participation.

Niawenko:wa.

The Department of Technical Services (DTS) is currently undergoing its customary MCA facilities Asset Condition Reporting System (ACRS) inspections starting mid-July, and has procured the services of Lowe-Gravelle and Associates for the inspection services.This notice is to advise MCA staff and community that they may notice new people in and around MCA facilities and infrastructure assets taking pictures and documenting information. Please do not be alarmed by the inspectors’ presence; the office of Lowe-Gravelle and Associates will have two inspectors present at a given time, and they will be accompanied by an MCA DTS staff member at all times.

Should you have questions about this information, please call the MCA Department of Technical Services at 613-575-2341 ext. 1003 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

Please see attached for full notice — nia:wen.

Extreme heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Extreme heat is defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body. Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning. Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat. Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

For more information, please see attached help sheet. 

This hazard help sheet is brought to you by the MCA Emergency Measures Program. In case of an emergency relating to extreme heat, contact the Akwesasne Central Dispatch at 613-575-2000.