Required |
Not Required |
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Fishing permits are required for visitors and community members who do not hold a federal status card. |
Individuals with a valid status card do not need a permit, but must carry their card while fishing if checked by a Conservation Officer. |
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.
Akwesasne Fishing Permits
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.
Type |
Cost |
| 3-Day Permit | $10.00 |
| Seasonal Permit | $20.00 |
| No fee is required for elders (65+) and military veterans, though a permit must still be issued. | |
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.
Akwesasne Turtle Team
The MCA Environment Program's Turtle Team works to protect and support local turtle populations, helping ensure these important members of our ecosystem remain part of Akwesasne's natural heritage for generations to come.
Turtle activity is highest from mid-May to mid-July, with early June marking the peak nesting season. During this time, turtles can often be seen along roadsides, in yards, and near shorelines searching for suitable nesting sites. Even after nesting season ends, turtles remain active until late fall, so motorists are encouraged to stay alert and watch for turtles crossing roadways.
If you spot a turtle nesting, contact the MCA Environment Program Turtle Team as soon as possible.
Many turtle nests are destroyed by predators before the eggs have a chance to hatch. To help improve hatchling survival rates, the Turtle Team can install protective nest covers that safeguard nests while allowing hatchlings to emerge naturally.
If you find a nesting turtle or turtle nest:
- Do not disturb a nesting female, even if she is located near a roadway.
- Keep a respectful distance of approximately 35 feet and allow the turtle to complete the nesting process, which can take several hours.
- If the turtle attempts to cross the road after nesting, and it is safe to do so, you may assist her in the direction she was travelling.
- Never dig up or relocate a turtle nest, even if it appears to be in a poor location. Disturbing a nest can damage the eggs and is against the law.
- Do not disturb an intact nest under any circumstances. Not only is this illegal, but it can significantly reduce the chances of the eggs successfully hatching.
- Provide detailed directions to the location and, if possible, send clear photos of the turtle and nesting site to assist staff in locating the nest.
If you discover a nesting turtle or intact nest, contact the Turtle Team so a nest protector can be installed to help safeguard the eggs from predators.
If you find an injured turtle, carefully place it in a well-ventilated plastic container with a secure lid. The container should be at least twice the length of the turtle's shell. Do not add water, food, or any type of treatment.
Before moving the turtle, make note of the exact location where it was found, including the road name, nearest intersection, or kilometre/mile marker. This information is important to ensure the turtle can be released in accordance with applicable regulations following rehabilitation.
When handling an injured turtle:
- Most turtles can be carefully picked up using two hands.
- When handling snapping turtles, keep a safe distance from the head, as they may bite if they feel threatened.
- If necessary, use a shovel or sturdy board to safely lift a snapping turtle.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the animal.
If the turtle must be kept overnight before transport, leave it in the ventilated container and place it in a dark, quiet area at room temperature, away from pets and household activity.
Once the turtle is secure, contact the appropriate rehabilitation provider:
Akwesasne |
Canada |
United States |
| Akwesasne Turtles Amberdawn Lafrance Message on Facebook |
Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre Peterborough, ON Phone: 705-741-5000 (Option 9) |
Nicandri Nature Center Massena, NY Phone: 315-261-2243 |
Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre
Whether you have questions, spot a nesting turtle, or need guidance regarding an injured turtle, the MCA Environment Program Turtle Team is here to help.
Email: env.turtles.team@akwesasne.ca
Phone: 613-575-2250 ext. 1031
Facebook: MCA Environment Program
If you find a nesting or injured turtle, feel free to contact us by email, phone, or by sending a message through our program's Facebook page. Photos and detailed location information are always appreciated and help our team respond more effectively.
Recycling & Waste Management
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne encourages all residents across the three districts to follow proper curbside recycling and waste management guidelines. Your cooperation helps ensure efficient collection services and supports a cleaner, healthier community for everyone.
Recycling and waste collection in the northern portion of Akwesasne follows the schedule below and is provided by D&R Disposal, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne's designated waste removal contractor.
Day |
Collection Area/Service |
| Tuesday | Recycling |
| Wednesday | MCA Facilities |
| Thursday | Tsi Snaíhne |
| Friday | Kawehnò:ke |
| Saturday | Kaná:takon |
For questions regarding collection services, contact D&R Disposal at 613-932-4588.
Recyclable materials must be set out in one of the following approved ways:
- In your designated recycling bin
- In a clean, dry cardboard box
- In a clear or translucent bag
Please note: Recycling placed in solid black or white garbage bags will not be collected, as the contents cannot be inspected or properly sorted. All recyclable items should be empty and free of leftover residue before being placed at the curb.
Accepted Items |
Unaccepted Items |
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MCA’s curbside recycling program has expanded to include additional items, including:
A full listing of recyclable materials is available for download below. |
The following materials do not belong in recycling and should be disposed of properly. Please note that recycling bins containing any of the items listed below will not be collected. Garbage
Compost/Yard & Organic Waste
|
For recycling program questions or guidance, please contact:
Tianna Back, Waste Coordinator
Phone: 613-575-2250 ext. 1045
Email: tianna.back@akwesasne.ca
Nia:wen for doing your part to sort smart and recycle right — together, we can keep Akwesasne clean and sustainable.
Contact Environment:
Cornwall Island Administration (CIA) #3 Building
101 Tewesateni Road, Kawehno:ke
Akwesasne, ON K6H 0G5
Phone: 613-575-2250 ext. 1038
Email: environmentprogram@akwesasne.ca
Environmental Services Manager: Kayla Sunday
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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. |