Resources

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In January 2025, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne signed a historic settlement agreement for the New York State Land Claim, resolving a case first filed in 1982. The agreement marks the end of decades of advocacy and negotiation aimed at reclaiming traditional lands and securing long-term benefits for Akwesasronon.

Key outcomes of the settlement include:

• Free SUNY tuition for all Akwesasronon, regardless of residency
• Fishing, hunting, trapping, and gathering rights on Barnhart, Croil, and Long Sault Islands
• 9 MW of low-cost electricity through the New York Power Authority
• Return of lands such as the Hogansburg Triangle
• $70 million in compensation over 35 years

This agreement reflects the unified efforts of past and present leaders, staff, and community members — and provides meaningful benefits for current and future generations.

For questions or more information, contact the Akwesasne Rights & Research Office at arro@akwesasne.ca or 613-575-2250. 

In June 2016, the transfer of the Cornwall Port Facility to the City of Cornwall and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne was made official through a co-ownership agreement. The Government of Canada contributed $5.3 million to support the Port’s infrastructure and operational costs.

A joint management body — the Cornwall Akwesasne Port Development Commission — was created to oversee the Port’s development and strategic direction. The transferred property includes 7.93 hectares on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, with upland space and an adjoining waterlot. The Port continues to serve primarily commercial functions and reflects a successful model of cooperative ownership.

For questions or more information, contact Mohawk Government at mohawkgovernment@akwesasne.ca or 613-575-2250.

As a governing body, the AMBE Board of Trustees sets policy, oversees the strategic direction of the education system, approves budgets, and ensures the delivery of quality education across AMBE schools. The Board works closely with the AMBE administration to ensure that our shared vision is implemented effectively and that our students are positioned for success.

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The Health Advisory Board is made up of community members from each district who play an important role in shaping the work of the MCA  Department of Health. Their purpose is to bring forward the voices of Akwesasró:non, ensuring that DOH programs and priorities are guided by strong governance and community input.

Members were selected through a community call-out and chosen based on letters of interest. The board meets four times per year to review DOH activities, provide feedback, and help ensure that services reflect the needs and values of Akwesasronon.  
    

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne offers commissioner and notary services across the organization.

Several MCA departments have designated staff members who can assist with witnessing signatures, administering oaths, or certifying documents. These services are available to community members as needed. Availability and requirements may vary by department, so it’s recommended to contact the appropriate office in advance to confirm details. 

This regulation supports MCA’s commitment to transparency and accountability by granting Akwesasronon the right to access records held by Council and its departments — while also protecting personal and sensitive information.

Key Objectives:

• Promote government transparency by allowing access to records.
• Define exceptions to access when necessary.
• Set standards for how personal information is collected, used, and safeguarded.
• Establish baseline security requirements for all sensitive data.

All departments are responsible for following this regulation when handling personal and confidential information.

For questions or more information, contact Executive Services at 613-575-2250 ext. 2120.

The Akwesasne Membership Code outlines how individuals are recognized as members of the Mohawks of Akwesasne. Enacted in 1987, the code reflects Akwesasne’s inherent right to define its own membership.

Key features include:

• Membership eligibility and application process
• Role and authority of the Akwesasne Membership Board
• Procedures for appeals, revocations, and reinstatements

The code also affirms the rights and benefits to which members are entitled, including:

• Residency
• Land ownership
• Housing
• Political rights — voting and holding office
• Access to territorial education and social assistance
• Treaty and Aboriginal rights specific to the Mohawks of Akwesasne
• Burial rights
• The right to share in annuities, royalties, and other revenues distributed to members

The code serves as an important tool for exercising Akwesasne’s jurisdiction and preserving its identity. 

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, as an organization, makes monetary donations to the community of Akwesasne through the Executive Director, with specific guidelines and limitations.

Donation Amounts:

Eligibility:

• Must be a member of the Mohawks of Akwesasne.
• Must reside within one of the three districts of the northern portion of Akwesasne.
• Must be in Good Standing with MCA.
• Cannot have received a donation in the past year.

How to Apply:

• Download the policy and application form below or pick one up at the Executive Services Office.
• Submit applications at least 30 days in advance.

For questions or more information, contact Executive Services at 613-575-2250 ext. 2120.

"Tsi kiońhnhet Onkwaweń:na Kanien’ké:ha" — Let Us Restore Our Words in Mohawk.

Approved in 2016, this strategic plan outlines MCA’s vision and long-term goals to protect, promote, and revitalize the Mohawk language within the organization and the broader community.

Plan Goals:

• Integrate Kanien’kéha into MCA operations and services.
• Work collaboratively with community partners like AMBE, AEDA, AFS, NNATC, and Iohahi:io.
• Support training, education, and preservation efforts in a cohesive, sustainable way.

This plan recognizes language as a living expression of culture, identity, and sovereignty.

For questions or more information, contact Mohawk Government at mohawkgovernment@akwesasne.ca or 613-575-2250 ext. 2160.

“Enhserihwakweniénhste” (Respect) is at the heart of how we work together. MCA is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace free from bullying, discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), and violence.

Highlights:

• Promotes civility, professionalism, and cultural respect.
• Includes regular workplace risk assessments.
• Addresses workplace humour, ensuring it remains appropriate and non-offensive.
• Outlines employee rights, including the ability to file external complaints if needed.

This policy is reviewed every three years or after any critical incident. 

Complaints are treated seriously and confidentially. You will receive follow-up and a written response once your concern has been reviewed.

For questions or more information, contact Executive Services at 613-575-2250 ext. 2120.

This fund provides support for individuals with congenital, acquired, or developmental disabilities. It is not an entitlement program, and funds are distributed as available on a case-by-case basis.

Support is:

• Family-focused, respectful, and community-rooted.
• Intended to empower and support healing, not create dependency.
• Reviewed and administered by the Department of Community & Social Services.

For questions or more information, contact the Department of Community & Social Services at 613-575-2341 ext. 3305.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Department of Health has prepared this quick reference guide to help community members identify nearby hospitals, the types of insurance accepted, and the approximate distance from Akwesasne.
   

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne would like to share important reminders from Canada Post to help ensure smooth and respectful service for everyone in the community.

Rural Mailboxes:

• Rural mailboxes must be installed and maintained properly to ensure safe delivery.
• Placement and specifications must meet Canada Post safety requirements.
• Before installing a rural box, please consult your local post office to confirm it meets all criteria.

Learn more at the Canada Post website.

Picking Up Mail at the Post Office:

• You must show original, valid, government-issued photo ID with a unique identifier number.
• If your ID does not list your address (e.g., a passport), proof of residency is also required.
• Collecting for someone else or a business requires authorization and proper ID.

Why ID Is Required: 

To protect your privacy, prevent identity theft, and ensure safe, accurate service.

For more information, please contact the Canada Post Customer Service at 1-800-267-1177.

Contact the Kaná:takon/St. Regis Post Office:

Canada Post
Phone: 613-575-1266
Hours: Monday–Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Canada Post Office
15 Akwesasne Street, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0

To support local economic growth, MCA commissioned MNP LLP to conduct a study assessing how much income is spent outside the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. Conducted in 2014, the study focused on the portion of the territory within Canadian boundaries.

Key objectives included:

• Estimating the size and activity of Akwesasne’s economy
• Identifying how and why money leaves the territory
• Recommending strategies to retain spending and develop new opportunities

This report offers a foundation for future planning, business development, and economic resilience within Akwesasne.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne's Environment Program issues fishing permits to support sustainable harvesting and the long-term protection of our waters. Permit holders are allowed to fish within the Territory of Akwesasne and remove their catch from our territorial waters, which extend from Valleyfield, QC to Gananoque, ON — shoreline to shoreline.

Fishing permits are not required for individuals under the age of 16 or over the age of 65; however, youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult who holds a valid permit. Only the individuals named on a permit may use it. Please note that in the Ontario portion of the river, the Ministry of Natural Resources Outdoors Card is also required. Non-natives fishing within Akwesasne’s waters must obtain a permit, even if accompanied by a community member.

The MCA Conservation Program actively patrols Akwesasne’s waters to ensure fish populations and habitats are protected. Fishing limits — including size, harvest amounts, and open seasons — are enforced to maintain sustainability, similar to the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Natural Resources. These efforts reflect MCA’s ongoing commitment to protecting fish, bird habitats, and the natural resources that sustain our community.

Who needs a permit?

• Required: Fishing permits are required for visitors and community members who do not hold a federal status card.
• Not required: Individuals with a valid status card do not need a permit, but must carry their card while fishing if checked by a Conservation Officer.

How much is a permit?

• $10.00 — 3-day permit
• $20.00 — seasonal permit
• Free — Elders (65+) and military veterans (permit still required)

Where can I get a permit?

• Adams' Marina — 1551 River Road, Akwesasne, QC (Tsi Snaihne)
• King's Marina — 1379 River Road, Akwesasne, QC (Tsi Snaihne)
• Blackfish Marina — 88 Kateri Tekakwitha St, Akwesasne, QC (Kana:takon)
• Cornwall Island Administration (CIA) Building #3 — 101 Tewesateni Road, Akwesasne, ON (Kawehno:ke)
• Fence Depot — 3045 Pitt Street, Cornwall, ON
• Tight Lines Tackle — 425 Fourth Street W (Unit A), Cornwall, ON

Wildlife Conservation Law – Part III: Permits

Section 23 of the Wildlife Conservation Law states that no person shall, without a permit, hunt, trap, fish for, capture, kill, take, molest, buy, sell, possess, barter, trade, ship, transport, disturb, destroy, or by any act or negligence harm:

1. any birds, their nests, eggs, or habitat of any kind;
2. any non-domestic fur-bearing animals, or their shelter or habitat;
3. fish or aquatic animals of any species, including their spawn, spawning areas, habitats, or any area they frequent, as well as any species of wildlife fauna within Akwesasne.

Any person found in violation of this law is subject to penalties imposed by the Akwesasne Court.

For questions, please contact our Conservation Officers at 613-575-2250 ext. 1047 or email environmentprogram@akwesasne.ca.