Environment
Environment
The Environment Program is dedicated to safeguarding Akwesasne’s natural resources through a combination of cultural knowledge and modern environmental science. This program focuses on protecting the land, water, and wildlife, ensuring the community’s resources are preserved for future generations. The Environment Program works closely with local landowners and community members to provide guidance on sustainable practices, environmental assessments, and species protection.
Services Provided:
- Environmental assessments to evaluate the impact of potential projects on the environment.
- Species at risk monitoring to track and protect vulnerable plants and animals.
- Invasive species management to prevent harmful species from disrupting local ecosystems.
- Forestry and agricultural advisement to help landowners manage their properties sustainably.
- Minnow and fish habitat assessments to monitor the health of local water ecosystems.
- Consultations and support for large-scale environmental projects requiring year-round monitoring.
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:
- any birds, their nests, eggs, or habitat of any kind;
- any non-domestic fur-bearing animals, or their shelter or habitat;
- 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.
Turtle Team
The MCA Environment Program’s Turtle Team works to protect and support our local turtle populations, ensuring these important members of our ecosystem are safe for generations to come. Turtle activity is highest from mid-May to mid-July, with early June being the peak nesting season. During this time, you may spot turtles along roadsides, in yards, or near shorelines searching for nesting sites. Even after nesting season, turtles remain active until late fall — so please stay alert while driving!
Spot a turtle? Here’s what to do:
Nesting turtles: If you see a turtle nesting, contact the MCA Environment Program Turtle Team immediately.
Injured turtles: Place the turtle in a container at least twice the length of its shell, with plenty of air and no water, and contact the appropriate rescue team:
- Akwesasne: Message the Akwesasne Turtles Facebook page for assistance from Amberdawn Lafrance.
- American side: Nicandri Nature Center, Massena, NY — 315-261-2243
- Canadian side: Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, Peterborough, ON — 705-741-5000
Contact the MCA Turtle Team:
Email: env.turtles.team@akwesasne.ca
Phone: 613-575-2250 ext. 1031
Whether you have questions, spot a nesting turtle, or find an injured one, the Turtle Team is here to help. Together, we can protect our turtle relatives and keep Akwesasne’s natural heritage thriving.
Contact Environment:
Cornwall Island Administration (CIA) #3 Building
101 Tewesateni Road, Kawehno:ke
Akwesasne, ON K6H 0G5
Phone: 613-575-2250 ext. 1039
Email: environmentprogram@akwesasne.ca
(Acting) Program Manager: Claire McFaul
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Disclaimer: Please note that the map location and the listed address may not align exactly due to GPS inaccuracies within our community. The embedded map is intended as a general guide to assist with navigation. |
Contact Us
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