UPDATES TO MCA GENERAL MEETING

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is informing the community that, beginning with the September 25, 2025 General Meeting in Tsi Snaihne and continuing at future meetings, several changes will be implemented to enhance the meeting experience. 

These updates were developed through discussions with Council and the Mohawk Government Administration and were also shared at recent District Meetings with those in attendance. The goal is to ensure that community members have a fair chance to speak, that elders and attendees are supported, and that meetings remain a safe, respectful, and positive space for dialogue.

To begin the General Meeting, the guidelines read by the Chair — typically the Grand Chief, but occasionally another Council Member — have been updated to help ensure that all participants come together with a good mind and respect for one another.

For those wishing to speak, two microphones will be available, and members will now form a line at the front of the room to ask questions, rather than having staff bring the microphone to attendees as in the past. Seating will be reserved for members while they wait their turn. All attendees must speak into a microphone so that Council and participants via Zoom can clearly hear. The Chair will select the order of speakers to ensure an organized and fair process. Each speaker will have up to five minutes to share their comments, and may return to the back of the line if they wish to speak again. 

For anyone uncomfortable speaking at a microphone, a drop box will be provided for written submissions, which will be reviewed and addressed on the new MCA Member Portal. 

The meeting video will face the Council and speakers and will additionally capture the audience so that in-person participants are visible in the Zoom recording. The video that in the past was publicly available on YouTube will now be displayed only on the MCA Member Portal. Please note that the Zoom stream is now view-only. Questions submitted via Zoom will not be presented to Council during the General Meeting. 

These changes reflect MCA’s ongoing commitment to making General Meetings more respectful and productive for all community members. Nia:wen for your cooperation.

To sign up for the Mohawk of Akwesasne Members Portal, please visit: my.akwesasne.ca