About Us

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is the elected community government of the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne. Representing the interests of the Akwesasronon people, MCA is responsible for overseeing a wide range of programs, services, and initiatives across the community.

Akwesasne is a unique Mohawk community located along the St. Lawrence River, where the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec meet the U.S. state of New York. The community is divided into three districts: Kawehnó:ke (Cornwall Island), Kaná:takon (St. Regis), and Tsi Snáihne (Snye). Every three years, residents elect four (4) District Chiefs from each district, along with one Grand Chief elected by the entire community — making up a 13-member Council.

Together, the Chiefs form the Mohawk Council. Each Chief accepts political responsibility for specific areas of community work and participates in portfolio committees that help achieve the strategic goals of the organization and meet the evolving needs of the community.

MCA’s leadership and staff have come together to define a clear path forward — guided by a shared vision and mission that reflect the values, responsibilities, and hopes of the Akwesasronon:

Our Vision

Tsi nén:we wa’kwarihwaientáhkwen: Our Future, Our Responsibility.

Our Mission

With a good mind, it is our responsibility to protect and exercise our inherent rights while creating sustainable partnerships and building a strong community for future generations.

MCA Departments

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne delivers programs and services through a network of departments that work together to meet the needs of our community. Each department plays a unique role in strengthening Akwesasne and supporting the well-being of Akwesasronon across all stages of life.

Executive Services

Executive Services provides strategic leadership and governance support for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, ensuring our organization operates with transparency, accountability, and alignment with the needs and rights of Akwesasronon. Through coordination and policy support, the department plays a vital role in advancing the community’s long-term goals.

Executive Services Programs:

(Acting) Executive Director: Shannon Roundpoint
Associate Director: Donna Roundpoint

MCA Administration #1 Building
12 Akwesasne Street, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
613-575-2250 ext. 2120

Department of Communications

The Department of Communications is responsible for all internal and external messaging across the organization. As a full-service unit, Communications supports MCA departments, programs, and leadership by sharing information with the community through newsletters, social media, public notices, campaigns, and more. The department works to strengthen transparency, promote engagement, and keep Akwesasronon informed.

(Acting) Director: Ashley Tarbell

20 Sweetgrass Lane, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
613-575-2250 ext. 2212
communications@akwesasne.ca

Department of Community & Social Services (DCSS)

The Department of Community & Social Services provides services in a family-focused, integrated and coordinated manner that is consistent with, works with, and reinforces the traditional, informal patterns of sharing, caring and healing in the extended family and community.

DCSS Programs:

(Acting) Director: Valerie Cree-Cook

Kanonhkwa'tsheri:io Health Facility
31 Hilltop Drive, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
613-575-2341 ext. 3305

Department of Economic Development (ECDEV)

The Department of Economic Development supports existing businesses, encourages entrepreneurship, promotes new businesses, and coordinates activities throughout the community to promote economic development with partnerships. It also supports individual training needs in partnership with Akwesasne stakeholders.

ECDEV Programs:

Director: Kylee Tarbell

Peace Tree Trade Centre
167 International Road, Unit 3
Akwesasne, ON K6H 0G5
613-575-2250
ecdev@akwesasne.ca

Department of Finance & Administration (DFA)

The Department of Finance & Administration oversees the operations of essential services for the organization. DFA is vital to the overall operation of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, as every part of Council’s operation are affected by this department. It is the DFA’s goal to ensure our departments and programs have the necessary tools and resources to provide the highest level of service for MCA and its community members.

DFA Programs:

Finance
Human Resources
Information Services

Director: Heather Phillips

MCA Administration #4 Building
13 First Street, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
613-575-2250

Department of Health (DOH)

The Department of Health (DOH) proactively collaborates with Akwesasronon to provide high quality professional health services that are mindful and respectful of our culture, traditions and uniqueness of individuals and families.

DOH Programs:

Sector 1 | DOH Administration
Sector 2 | Community Health Services
Sector 3 | Mental Health & Wellness Services
Sector 4 | Clinical Care Services
Sector 5 | Continuing Care Services

(Acting) Director: Tessa Jocko

Kanonhkwa'tsheri:io Health Facility
31 Hilltop Drive, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
613-575-2341 ext. 3300

Department of Infrastructure, Housing & Environment (DIHE)

The Department of Infrastructure, Housing & Environment is responsible for maintaining and developing essential community assets and services across Akwesasne. DIHE oversees roads, water systems, and over 40 MCA facilities, while also offering housing programs and supporting environmental protection. The department plays a key role in ensuring safe, sustainable living through technical services, housing development, and culturally grounded environmental stewardship.

DIHE Programs:

DIHE Administration | Technical Projects
Infrastructure Sector | Maintenance, Roads, Water/Wastewater
Housing Sector
Environment Sector | Environment & Conservation

Director: Leslie Papineau

CIA #3 Building
101 Tewesateni Road, Kawehno:ke
Akwesasne, ON K6H 0G5
613-575-2250 ext. 1003

Akwesasne Justice Department (AJD)

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.

AJD Programs:

Director: Cactus Cook Sunday

AJD Admin. Office
45 Johnson Road, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
613-575-2250 ext. 2400

Ahkwesàhsne Mohawk Board of Education (AMBE)

The Ahkwesàhsne Mohawk Board of Education provides comprehensive educational services that support learners from early childhood through post-secondary levels, all rooted in Kanien’keha language and culture. AMBE is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, cultural pride, and lifelong learning opportunities for our community. Through innovative programs and meaningful partnerships, AMBE empowers Akwesasronon to achieve their educational and personal goals.

AMBE Programs:

AMBE Administration
Akwesasne Child Care
Akwesasne Zero2Six
District Schools (Ahkwesahsne Mohawk School, Kana:takon School, & Tsi Snaihne School)
Iohahi:io Akwesasne Education & Training Institute
Mohawk Language & Culture
Post-Secondary Assistance Program (PSAP)

Director: Donna Wahienha:wi Lahache

AMBE Admin. Office
169 International Road, Kawehno:ke
Akwesasne, ON K6H 0G5
613-933-0409

Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS)

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service provides law enforcement and community policing to the northern districts of Akwesasne, enforcing laws across both Ontario and Québec. AMPS is committed to public safety through patrol services, emergency response, crime prevention, and community engagement.

AMPS Programs/Units:

Central Dispatch
Akwesasne Organized Crime Unit (AOCU)
Community Safety Enforcement Unit (CSEU)
Snowmobile, ATV, & Vessel Enforcement Unit (SAVE)
Compliance

(Acting) Chief of Police: Ranatiiostha Swamp

73 Sweetgrass Lane, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
613-575-2340
info.amps@akwesasne.ca

About Akwesasne: The Land Where The Partridge Drums

Akwesasne is a historically significant Mohawk community whose name means “Land Where the Partridge Drums.” The territory stretches across the St. Lawrence River and includes scenic islands, winding rivers, and a rich landscape that has supported the Mohawk people for generations.

The Mohawks — Kanien’kehá:ka, meaning “People of the Flint” — are one of the founding nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Six Nations or “People of the Longhouse.” As the easternmost nation, the Mohawks are recognized as the Keepers of the Eastern Door.

Long before European contact, Kanien’kehá:ka people lived along the St. Lawrence River Valley. Akwesasne was among the many settlements in the region and remains one of the largest Kanien’kehá:ka communities today. Other Mohawk communities include: Kahnawà:ke, Kanesatake, Tyendinaga, Ganienkeh, Kanatsiohareke, Ohswé:ken, and Wahta.

Following the imposition of international borders, Akwesasne became divided by the Canada–U.S. boundary and further split between the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Despite these colonial divisions, the community remains united by shared history, kinship, and culture.

Learn more about Akwesasne's history here.

Akwesasne — Land Where the Partridge Drums
Email: info@akwesasne.ca
Phone 613-575-2250
Fax: 613-575-2181
Address:
PO Box 90
Akwesasne, Quebec, H0M 1A0
101 Tewesateni Road
Akwesasne, Ontario, K6H 0G5