OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT: PROGRESS AND UPDATES

The Oversight Committee on Legislative Development (OSC) plays a vital role in guiding the development of Akwesasne laws by overseeing the legislative process and incorporating input from both Council and the community. This work helps ensure that legislation reflects and balances the diverse perspectives within Akwesasne, while providing clear direction and support throughout each stage of law making. Currently, the OSC oversees the development of three laws that are either newly drafted or being amended and are at various phases of the Akwesasne Legislative Procedural Regulation (ALEPR). 

Fire Safety Law 

The Fire Safety Law is still in the early stages of Phase I of the ALEPR. During this phase, the Working Task Group (WTG) is inviting community members to share their thoughts and written comments on what is needed to support the development of this important law. Community input is essential to helping ensure the safety and well being of everyone in Akwesasne. Written comments can be submitted by May 29, 2026, to alyson.thompson@akwesasne.ca or emily.king@akwesasne.ca. 

Akwesasne Residency Law 

The Akwesasne Residency Law WTG has resumed bi weekly meetings and is focusing on amendments identified through community feedback. As the group incorporates new ideas and refines areas of concern, a consistent process has taken shape. With guidance from Legal Council and support from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) on enforcement matters, the WTG anticipates releasing a draft for community review in the near future. 

Akwesasne Child Rights and Responsibilities Law (ACRRL) 

The Akwesasne Child Rights and Responsibilities Law (ACRRL), or Enienthihswanón:na, has been accepted in principle by Council, allowing the Working Task Group (WTG) to proceed to Phase III: Community Consultation. During this phase, community members will be informed about the law and invited to share their feedback and guidance. To begin community engagement efforts, the WTG has scheduled Community Consultation Sessions in each district of Akwesasne. Additional information sessions will continue into the fall, providing opportunities for community members to learn more about the law and share their views with the WTG responsible for its development. 

COMPLETE: Akwesasne Election Law 

On March 23, 2026, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne officially approved MCR 2025–2026 #394, confirming the results of the January 31, 2026, community referendum. In that vote, members approved changes to section 16.2(a) of the Akwesasne Election Law. Following Council’s approval, the Registrar for the Kaiahnehronsehra Iehiontakwa (Akwesasne Law Registry) finalized the process by officially recording the updated law in the registry.  

The Kaiahnehronsehra Iehiontakwa is the official law registry for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. It serves as the central repository for all laws enacted under MCA’s jurisdiction and provides a formal process for the registration of Akwesasne laws. To access the registry, visit: www.akwesasne.ca/about-us/law-registry/ 

If you have any questions, the OSC Community District Representatives may be contacted as follows: 

Kaná:takon | Dr. Doris Cook 
kanestenhawi@yahoo.com 

Tsi Snaíhne | Theresa Benedict
theresa.benedict@akwesasne.ca 

Kawehnò:ke | Gary Cole 
gary.cole@akwesasne.ca 

For general inquiries, you may also contact the Legislative Services Manager Alyson Thompson by email at alyson.thompson@akwesasne.ca.