Justice

The Department of Justice, also known as the Akwesasne Justice Department (AJD) applies the principle of natural justice to protect the collective and individual rights of Akwesasronon, while honouring the community’s cultural heritage and traditions.

AJD Programs

Legislative Services

The Akwesasne Justice Department's Legislative Services guide the development and maintenance of Akwesasne laws. This includes supporting community engagement in law-making, maintaining the official Law Registry, and ensuring that legislation reflects the values, needs, and jurisdiction of Akwesasne.

Legislative Development

Through the Akwesasne Legislative Enactment Procedural Regulations (ALEPR), new laws are developed in a way that is open, community-driven, and consistent. The process moves through five phases:

Identifying the need for a law
Drafting and review
Community consultation
Approval and enactment
Implementation and enforcement

Current Legislative Development Initiatives

Legislative Services is currently working with the community on the development and amendment of laws, including:

Akwesasne Cannabis Law | Phase IV
Akwesasne Child’s Rights & Responsibilities Law | Phase I
Building Codes/Housing Law | Phase I
Akwesasne Election Law – Amendment | Phase V
Akwesasne Financial Administration Law | Phase V
Akwesasne Land Law | Phase I
Akwesasne Landlord Tenant Law | Phase I
Prescription Drug/Controlled Substances/Akwesasne Drug Law – Amendment | Phase I
Akwesasne Residency Law – Amendment | Phase I
Akwesasne Water Law | Phase I
Akwesasne Emergency Management Law | Phase IV

Akwesasne Law Registry (Kaiahnehronsehra Iehiontakwa)

The Akwesasne Law Registry is the official source for all enacted Akwesasne laws. It ensures transparency and provides community access to governing documents.

Contact Legislative Services:

Akwesasne Justice Department
45 Johnson Road, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
Phone: 613-575-5000 ext. 2400
Fax: 613-575-1726

Legislative Services Manager: Alyson Thompson

Akwesasne Community Justice Program

The Akwesasne Community Justice Program (ACJP) supports Akwesasró:non and other Indigenous peoples facing challenges in the criminal justice system, primarily in Cornwall, Ontario and Valleyfield, Québec. Rooted in restorative justice, the program aims to rebuild relationships through respect, responsibility, repair, and reintegration.

ACJP Services:

Indigenous Court Worker
Youth Justice Worker
Alternative Measures Program
Gladue Services
Ronathahi:io Early Release Program
Ietsiiatahónhsatat Victim Services
Native Inmate Liaison Officer

Contact ACJP:

Akwesasne Community Justice Program
55 Water Street, Suite 309
Cornwall, ON K6J 1A1
Phone: 613-575-5007
Toll-Free: 855-575-2341
Fax: 613-938-3308
Email: communityjustice@akwesasne.ca

Program Manager: Rena Smoke

Akwesasne Court

The Akwesasne Court adjudicates matters under Akwesasne Law and plays a key role in community-based justice.

Court Services:

Adjudication and dispute resolution under Akwesasne Laws
Support with challenges to Akwesasne Laws
Couples Property Law (Iatathrónna Raotiientáhtsera) applications
Prosecutorial services for Akwesasne, Indian Act, and traffic law offenses (Ontario/Québec)
Defense counsel assistance (available one hour before court sessions)
Appeals process for Akwesasne Court decisions and administrative body rulings
Peace Bonds (Sken:nen Orders)
Court-managed mediation services (voluntary or court-ordered)
Marriage services under MCR 1987/98-144
Small Claims Court for civil disputes connected to Akwesasne
Probation & parole services

Contact Akwesasne Court:

Akwesasne Court
Cornwall Island Administration (CIA) #3 Building
101 Tewesateni Road, Kawehno:ke
Akwesasne, ON K6H 0G5
Phone: 613-575-2250 ext. 1026

Akwesasne Representative & Advocacy Program

The Akwesasne Representative & Advocacy Program (ARAP) provides band representation to Akwesasne children and families living on and off-reserve in cases of child protection matters. This applies to any Mohawks of Akwesasne child or family across Canada. ARAP advocates on behalf of the family with child protection agencies, ensuring cultural continuity for the child and family throughout the process. The goal is to maintain children with their families and connected to the Akwesasne community.

ARAP Representative Responsibilities:

To put forward the Band’s position in child welfare matters, promoting our spiritual vision and values;
To receive notification and information about each referral and ongoing services;
To respond to court applications and participate in court proceedings;
To assist with and/or ensure that proper documentation and registrations are completed for the child and youth;
To ensure that family members are fully aware of their rights, and to link/refer them to a range of various culturally appropriate services;
To provide information and guidance to parents on legal proceedings and referrals;
To attend meetings related to the planning of the child or youth’s welfare (such as circles or case conferences);
To educate and orient government and child welfare agency staff regarding the Akwesasne First Nation community, culture, and practices;
To advocate with child welfare agencies on behalf of children, youth, and families.

Contact ARAP:

Akwesasne Representative & Advocacy Program
55 Water Street W, Suite 130
Cornwall, ON K6J 1A1
Phone: 613-575-5000
Fax: 613-938-3308
Email: arap@akwesasne.ca

Program Manager: Kimberley Ransom-Herne, M.Ed. & M.Sc.

Key Services Provided by AJD:

Community Legal Support
Assistance with affidavits, oaths, affidavits of service, record suspensions, and navigating legal processes involving MCA, provincial, and federal systems.
Akwesasne Court Services
Adjudication under Akwesasne Laws, small claims court, peace bonds (Sken:nen Orders), marriage services, couples property law applications, and court-managed mediation.
Restorative Justice & Support Programs
Culturally grounded alternatives to the criminal justice system through the Akwesasne Community Justice Program, including youth diversion, victim services, and reintegration support.
Indigenous Court & Youth Workers
Direct support for Indigenous individuals navigating the criminal justice system, with referrals, advocacy, and assistance throughout the court process.
Gladue Services
Preparation of Gladue reports and support for Indigenous individuals in criminal court matters involving systemic factors and culturally appropriate sentencing.
Probation & Parole Supervision
Supervision of clients under Ontario and Québec court orders, including conditional sentences, pre-sentence reports, and community service coordination.
Advocacy & Representation for Families
Support through the Akwesasne Representative & Advocacy Program (ARAP) for Akwesasne children and families in child welfare cases across Canada.
Board, Commission & Electoral Support
Assistance with election eligibility, nomination forms, and participation in MCA boards and commissions.
Policy, Legislation & Dispute Resolution
Guidance on MCA policies, filing complaints (e.g., CBSA), administrative reviews, ATIPP requests, and appeals to the Council of Elders.

Akwesasne Law Registry

The Akwesasne Law Registry is the official public record of all laws enacted by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Community members can access and review current laws, by-laws, and legislative amendments online.

Akwesasne Law Registry

Authorities, Boards, Commissions & Notaries

Akwesasne Election Appeal Board

MANDATE:	This Commission is to hear appeals for MCA General elections and by-elections.
AUTHORITY:	Akwesasne Election Law \| MCR 2005/2006 – #192
TENURE:	The Akwesasne Election Appeal Board term commences six months prior to a General Election for three consecutive years.
CHARTER:	See procedures in Schedule “O” of the Akwesasne Election Law.
HONORARIUM:	A per diem rate in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Executive Director.

AKWESASNE ELECTION APPEAL BOARD
NAME	DISTRICT	TERM

Akwesasne Legislative Commission

MANDATE:	The Akwesasne Legislative Commission will establish law-making priorities according to the needs of Akwesasne and develop a community plan for legislative development.
AUTHORITY:	MCR 2015/2016 – #262
TENURE:	Akwesasne Legislative Commission members shall be appointed for an initial term of three (3) years and may be reappointed to terms of five (5) years thereafter.
CHARTER:	Akwesasne Legislative Commission Charter \| MCR 2017/2018 – #004 Akwesasne Legislative Commission Regulation \| MCR 2017/2018 – #004
HONORARIUM:	In accordance with the MCA honorarium policy.

AKWESASNE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION
NAME	DISTRICT	TERM

Akwesasne Membership Board

MANDATE:	This Board considers applications for Akwesasne Membership under the Akwesasne Membership Code and applications for Residency permits under the Akwesasne Residency Law.
AUTHORITY:	Akwesasne Membership Code \| MCR 1987/1988 – #144 Akwesasne Residency Law \| MCR 1997/1998 – #60
TENURE:	The Chairperson and one community member from each of the 3 Districts will serve a term of 4 years. The remaining 3 District community members will serve a term of 2 years. Council appointments are made after General Elections.
CHARTER:	Akwesasne Membership Board Charter
HONORARIUM:	In accordance with the MCA honorarium policy.

AKWESASNE MEMBERSHIP BOARD
NAME	DISTRICT	TERM

Akwesasne Review Commission

MANDATE:	The Akwesasne Review Commission is established as an independent body to hold every Justice and every member of a Decision-Making Body accountable to the community by enabling their conduct to be examined fairly and impartially pursuant to this Charter and Procedural Regulation.
AUTHORITY:	MCR 2013/2014 – #242
TENURE:	Akwesasne Review Commission member will be appointed for an initial term of 3 years, and are eligible for additional terms of 5 years.
CHARTER:	Akwesasne Review Commission Charter \| MCR 2017/2018 – #139 Akwesasne Review Commission Regulation \| MCR 2014/2015 – #084
HONORARIUM:	In accordance with the MCA honorarium policy.

AKWESASNE REVIEW COMMISSION
NAME	DISTRICT	TERM

Neh Kanikonriio Council

MANDATE:	The Community Neh Kanikonri:io Council is recognized by the courts to address offences by means of alternative measures and sentencing.
AUTHORITY:	Crown Protocol Agreement with Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Canada, Ontario and Quebec \| MCR # 1996/97 – 332
TENURE:	Members are appointed for life.
CHARTER:	The Community Neh Kanikonri:io Council is still in the beginning stages of a Charter and Procedural Regulations.
HONORARIUM:	In accordance with the MCA honorarium policy.

AKWESASNE REVIEW COMMISSION
NAME	DISTRICT	TERM
Shari Adams	Tsi Snaihne	No expiration
Leona Barnes	Akwesasne (South)	No expiration
Jonel Beauvais	Akwesasne (South)	No expiration
Pat Benedict	Kawehno:ke	No expiration
Diane Boots	Akwesasne (South)	No expiration
Micaelee Horn	Akwesasne (South)	No expiration
Jodi Jackson	Akwesasne (South)	No expiration
Anne Lazore	Tsi Snaihne	No expiration
Angie Green	Akwesasne (South)	No expiration
Brandon David	Kawehno:ke	No expiration

Notaries & Commissioners

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.

NOTARIES & COMMISSIONERS
NAME	ROLE/LOCATION	OFFICE
Courtney Angus	Commissioner Ontario	Office of Vital Statistics
Julia Benedict	Commissioner, Notary Ontario	Akwesasne Representative & Advocacy Program
Kuy Chaussi	Commissioner Ontario & Quebec	Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service
Rosebud Cook	Notary New York State	Akwesasne Court
Cactus Cook Sunday	Commissioner Ontario	Akwesasne Justice Department
Bonnie Cole	Commissioner, Notary Ontario	Akwesasne Justice Department
Carol Lafrance	Commissioner Ontario & Quebec	Office of Vital Statistics
Kim Loran	Commissioner Ontario	Akwesasne Court
Renee Massaro	Commissioner Ontario	Office of Vital Statistics
Lee-Ann O'Brien	Commissioner Ontario & Quebec	Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service
Darilee Wythe-Swamp	Commissioner Ontario	Akwesasne Community Justice Program
Alyson Thompson	Notary New York State	Akwesasne Justice Department

AJD Administration:

Akwesasne Justice Department
45 Johnson Road, Kana:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
Phone: 613-575-5000 ext. 2400
Fax: 613-575-1726

Director: Cactus Cook Sunday, M.Ed.

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.

Justice

Justice

AJD Programs

Legislative Development

Current Legislative Development Initiatives

Akwesasne Law Registry (Kaiahnehronsehra Iehiontakwa)

Contact Legislative Services:

ACJP Services:

Contact ACJP:

Court Services:

Contact Akwesasne Court:

ARAP Representative Responsibilities:

Contact ARAP:

Key Services Provided by AJD:

Akwesasne Law Registry

Authorities, Boards, Commissions & Notaries

AKWESASNE ELECTION APPEAL BOARD

AKWESASNE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION

AKWESASNE MEMBERSHIP BOARD

AKWESASNE REVIEW COMMISSION

AKWESASNE REVIEW COMMISSION

NOTARIES & COMMISSIONERS

AJD Administration: