Justice
“Equity, fairness and respectfulness.”
The Akwesasne Justice Department employs the principle of natural justice to empower the community to safeguard collective rights, primarily, and individuals rights (secondary) for Akwesasronon, while remaining respectful of the community’s heritage and culture.
613 575 2250 extension 2400
Fax: 613 575 1726
Authorities, Boards, Commissions, Tribunals
- Akwesasne Membership Board
- Akwesasne Review Commission
- Akwesasne Election Appeal Board
- Neh Kanikonriio Council
- Akwesasne Legislative Commission
- Akwesasne Tobacco Commission
A First Nation Justice System
A first in Canada, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne designed a First Nation Justice System based on customary laws which incorporate traditional restorative principles in the three main responsibilities of government: Law-Making; Adjudication and Enforcement
- Akwesasne Legislative Enactment Regulation
- General Referendum Regulation
- Akwesasne Law Registry
- Akwesasne Court Law
- Akwesasne Court Procedures
- Council of Elders/Appellate Division
- Compliance and Conservation enforcement of Akwesasne Laws.
Development of Laws:
- 31 Akwesasne Laws Registered
- 2 Laws currently being amended
- 8 Laws currently being developed:
- 30 additional laws are needed to meet community priorities
Akwesasne Court
Judiciary: Two Justices
Prosecutor and Defense Counsel
As an inherent right court, the judiciary is overseen by the Akwesasne Review Commission to ensure judicial independence.
The Akwesasne Tekaia’torehtha:ke Kaianer-enhsera (Akwesasne Court Law) sets out the principles, powers and authorities of the court and reflects the values of the Mohawks of Akwesasne and the principles of Sken:nen (peace), Kasastensera (strength) and Kanikonri:io (a good mind), respect, fairness and natural justice.
The Akwesasne Court Law is enacted in exercise of the inherent right of self-government of the Mohawks of Akwesasne as recognized and affirmed by the Royal Proclamation of 1763; section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982; and, by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Services:
- Adjudication of Akwesasne Laws
- Court appointed defense services
- Peacebond Hearings
- Mediation Services
- Appeals
- Community Service
Akwesasne Community Justice Program
In 2004, a Crown Protocol agreement was established between MCA, DOJ Quebec and MAG Ontario for diversion and community justice services.
Services:
- Neh Kanikonriio Council (Criminal Court Diversions) 30-50 diversions/year
- Indigenous Court Worker Program to assist the accused, victims and witnesses to understand rights, responsibilities and options available to the offender and the victim.
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Youth Justice Worker:
- (Youth Personal Service Orders)
- Extra-Judicial Measures (since 2012) = 84 clients
- Extra-Judicial Services (since 2012) = 63 clients
Native Inmate Liaison Officer Program
Native programming, services and counselling at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre.
- Culturally relevant programming
- Sweat Lodge on site
- Smudging
- Referral Services
Programs:
- Akwesasne Court
- Legal Services
- Legislative Services
- Akwesasne Community Justice Program
- Compliance Program
- Conservation Program
- Early Release Parole
- Ontario Probation
- Quebec Probation
- Youth Probation & Reintegration
Services
- ATV Registrations
- Boat Registrations
- Boat Safety Course
- Court Worker Services
- Firearms Safety Course
- Jury Duty Notices
- Complaints on CBSA
- Mediation Services
- Criminal Diversions
- Gladue Writer
- Cultural Sensitivity Training
- Legislative Services
- Legal Services
- Paralegal Services
- Native Counselling Services
Forms
- Akwesasne Legislative Commission Call-Out and Application 2019
- Application To Voters List
- Boat Registration Form
- Compliance Office – Animal Registration Form
- Couples Property Law Regulations
- Couples Property Law Application
- Couples Property Law Statement Of Defence
- Community Service Procedure
- Community Service Intake Form
- Community Service Participant Responsibilities Agreement Form
- Community Service Record of Hours Form
Video
Iatathróna Raotiientáhtsera “Couples Property” Law
Contact
Director: Joyce King
Contact Info: 613-575-2250 • Ext. 2400
Fax: 613-575-1726
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