MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE OPPOSES QUEBEC BILL 1

COMMUNITY NOTICE

For Immediate Release:

Enníska/February 17, 2026 

MOHAWK COUNCIL OF AKWESASNE OPPOSES QUEBEC BILL 1

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) stands in strong and clear opposition to Quebec’s proposed Bill 1 and the creation of a Quebec Constitution developed without the full and meaningful participation of First Nations.

The MCA participated in the recent Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) engagement regarding Bill 1, where leadership came together to collectively oppose the proposed legislation and raise serious concerns about its potential impacts on First Nations communities.

Bill 1, in its current form, represents a profound threat to First Nations rights, jurisdiction, languages and laws, undermining the very foundations of our identity, our right to govern ourselves, and our commitment to the lands and future generations. Any legislation that impacts our people and communities must be developed with us through true nation-to-nation engagement. We cannot and will not accept decisions being made about us without us.

During Bill 1 proceedings, First Nations leadership were met with actions that demonstrated a continued lack of respect for our cultures, governance and leadership. This was evident when an Atikamekw Chief was denied entry while carrying an eagle staff, a sacred item representing his territory. Incidents like this reflect the broader systemic barriers First Nations continue to face when engaging with provincial processes that claim to include us, yet fail to respect who we are as a people.

These actions, combined with the fact that Bill 1 makes only minimal reference to First Nations and was drafted without meaningful consultation, reinforce the serious concerns being raised by First Nations leadership across Quebec and Labrador.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne stands with First Nations leadership in calling for the withdrawal of Bill 1 in its current form. Our inherent rights, treaty rights, and jurisdiction are not subject to provincial authority, and any attempt to legislate over First Nations without consent is unacceptable.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne will continue to work alongside regional and national First Nations leadership to oppose Bill 1 and advocate for the protection of our rights, lands, languages, and future generations. We remain committed to keeping the community informed as this work continues.