Entewatathá:wi (Nation Building)

Mission

To negotiate a self-government agreement with Canada that recognizes expanded jurisdiction and authority; and protect the Aboriginal rights and title for the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

Vision

To implement the inherent right of self-government of the Mohawks of Akwesasne through the Akwesasne – Canada Entewatathá:wi Self-Government Agreement.

About Entewatathá:wi

“We Will Govern”

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Government of Canada have been negotiating the Akwesasne-Canada Entewatathá:wi Self Government Agreement (ESGA) since 2013. The purpose of the ESGA is to implement aspects of the inherent right of self-government of the Mohawks of Akwesasne on Akwesasne lands with respect to members or individuals entitled to be members. This right is recognized under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, as an existing Aboriginal right.

The ESGA will allow for the recognition of new and expanded jurisdiction and authority for the Mohawks of Akwesasne. The ESGA recognizes the jurisdiction and authority of the Mohawks of Akwesasne in the several areas, such as the application of Akwesasne Laws, education, membership, lands and lands management, enforcement of Akwesasne Laws, adjudication of disputes under Akwesasne Laws, and administration of justice.

As the MCA is governed by Canada’s Indian Act the majority of Akwesasne’s affairs are currently dictated by the policies of the government of Canada. The Indian Act is a piece of colonial legislation that is paternalistic and diminishes the inherent governing powers of the Mohawks of Akwesasne as an Indigenous People. The Indian Act and related laws do not reflect the values, needs and priorities of the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

If the ESGA is ratified, the MCA will be fully accountable to the Mohawks of Akwesasne for community decisions. Akwesasne laws reflecting our culture, values and priorities will be enacted. Akwesasne affairs will no longer be dictated by the Minister of Indigenous Services under Canada’s Indian Act.

However, it is important to remember that there are a few aspects of the Indian Act that protects and benefits the Mohawks of Akwesasne. Protection of Akwesasne Lands, protection from property seizure, and tax exemption will be retained from the Indian Act for the continued benefit for the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

Upon completion of the ESGA, a referendum will be called. The membership of the Mohawks of Akwesasne will have the opportunity to vote on the Akwesasne-Canada Entewatathá:wi Self-Government Agreement.

In order for people to think, they need some facts to help them. In order for people to govern themselves well, they must know their own history, laws, court cases, and decisions...if you cannot govern yourself to your satisfaction, there are always those who are willing to govern to their satisfaction.

— Ernest M. Kaientaronkwen Benedict

Understanding Akwesasne-Canada Negotiation Process

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) and the Government of Canada have been actively negotiating the Akwesasne-Canada Entewatathá:wi Self-Government Agreement (ESGA) since 2013. This agreement aims to solidify Akwesasne’s autonomy in managing its own affairs while maintaining a respectful government-to-government relationship with Canada.

Negotiations take place during formal Main Table meetings, where both parties engage in structured dialogue on key governance areas such as education, membership, lands, justice, and more. These meetings are grounded in mutual respect, legal frameworks, and a shared goal of reaching a fair and forward-looking agreement that reflects the values and priorities of the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

Who Represents Akwesasne in the Negotiations?

The Entewatathá:wi negotiation process is led by Grand Chief and Portfolio Chiefs, with support from a committed team that includes a legal advisor, community advisors, department staff, and other MCA technicians. Each contributes to advancing Akwesasne’s jurisdiction and ensuring the process reflects the values, concerns, and priorities of our members.

Meeting the Entewatathá:wi Negotiations Team

At the Main Table, the Negotiation Team represents Akwesasne’s interests and upholds its inherent rights and responsibilities. The team brings together expertise in governance, law, community engagement, and policy development to support Akwesasne’s path toward self-government.

Grand Chief Leonard Lazore

Chief Lisa Francis-Benedict

Chief Cindy Francis-Mitchell

Chief Teresa Oakes

Chief Scott Peters

Chief JoAnn Swamp

Chief Vince Thompson

Entewatathá:wi Community Advisors

The Communications Working Group, made up of Community Advisors, provides input on the ESGA rolling draft, supports the development of legal instruments as required, and offers guidance on the communication strategy and materials shared with the community.

Community Advisors also participate in both the Main Table Negotiations and Negotiation Preparation meetings to remain informed on all subject areas. They represent the voice of the Akwesasne community and help ensure the negotiation process reflects the concerns, needs, and aspirations of the membership.

Entewatathá:wi Staff

The Entewatathá:wi staff is responsible for preparing and coordinating all aspects of the negotiation process. This includes creating agendas, scheduling sessions, gathering necessary documentation from both Akwesasne and Canada, and preparing and distributing meeting material for Main Table Negotiations.

Entewatathá:wi Staff (Pictured L-R): Jacey Rourke, Brandi Benedict, Rachel Lazare, & Cheavee Willie

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne's Associate Director plays a key role by providing administrative oversight and strategic guidance. The MCA Legal Counsel provides critical legal expertise, analyzing proposals, assessing legal implications, and ensuring the protection of Akwesasne’s legal and inherent rights. These contributions are essential in developing a robust legal framework for self-government.

MCA Associate Director Donna Roundpoint & Legal Counsel Nathan Richards

According to Canada, Akwesasne has had more community members involved in the negotiation process than any other Indigenous community negotiating a self-government agreement.

Together, the team is committed to building a strong foundation for self-government. One that reflects who we are as Onkwehonwe and ensures that future generations will govern according to our own laws, values, and vision.

Tahatikonhsotonkie:

"Path for the Unborn"

We need to preserve the path for our unborn. We need to make decisions that will make things better for them. We must remember our unborn!

— Former District Chief Joe Lazore

Contact Us:

Entewatathá:wi (Nation Building)
12 Akwesasne Street, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
Phone: 613-575-2250 ext. 3190
Email: entewatathawi@akwesasne.ca

Program Manager: Rachel Lazare

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.