About MCA
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, better known as MCA, is a Community Government, which is elected by the residents of the Mohawk Community of Akwesasne. Every three years, four (4) Chiefs are elected from each of the three districts within Akwesasne: Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island), Kana:takon (St. Regis), and Tsi Snaihne (Snye).
There are a total of 12 District Chiefs and one Grand Chief who is elected by the entire community. Together, the Chiefs comprise Mohawk Council. They accept political responsibility for specific areas of Community work. They also participate in portfolio committees to achieve community goals.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne takes responsibility for many areas.
There are nine departments within MCA, they include:
- Department of Community & Social Services (DCSS)
- Department of Economic Development (ECDEV)
- Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education (AMBE)
- Department of Executive Services
- Department of Finance & Administration (DFA)
- Department of Infrastructure, Housing, & Environment (DIHE)
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Akwesasne Justice Department (AJD)
- Department of Public Safety
About Akwesasne
The people of Akwesasne are predominately Kanien’kehà:ka (Mohawk).
Language Spoken:
The predominant language spoken in Akwesasne is currently English, however, Kanienkeha (Mohawk) is the official language of the people and about 30% of the people of Akwesasne still speak their national language. Akwesasne schools provide immersion classes and language classes in Kanienkeha from elementary grades up through high school and there are also adult immersion classes are which are provided within the community. The survival of the Kanienkeha language is a priority for Akwesasne.
Population:
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) reports a total population of around 12,000 (INAC) and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (SMRT) reports that their population is around 11,000. The population growth for Akwesasne is estimated by the MCA at more than 3.6% per year. However, there are some Akwesasne people that are contained on both the MCA and the SRMT lists.
Off-Reserve:
MCA reports that more than 1,800 Akwesasne Mohawks live off the reserve due to housing, economic, and land constraints.
Land Base:
MCA reports the reserve land base to be about 11, 711 (4,739.8 hectares) acres of undisputed land; and the SRMT reports the reservation land base to be about 14,648 acres of undisputed land. The total land base is 26,359 acres. These numbers exclude territorial waters. The Mohawks of Akwesasne have lands that are in dispute, which are the subject of land claims with ongoing legal proceedings and negotiations.
Mohawk Governments:
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is the elected council for the Canadian portion of Akwesasne. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council (SRMTC) is the elected council for the U.S. portion of Akwesasne. The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs (MNCC) is the national and historic government of the people of the Mohawk Nation which includes the Akwesasne Community whether they are on the north or south side of the U.S. – Canada border.
Employment:
MCA employs people in the delivery of services through its government which includes, law enforcement, schools, health centers, administration of services, governance, etc. – the MCA employees between 700-1,000 people. Elsewhere within Akwesasne, the SMRT – 425 employees. The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino – 525 employees. The Mohawk Bingo Palace – 125 employees.
Economic Presence:
MCA conservatively estimates that it injects more than $100 million annually into the local economies. The SRMT may make an equal or greater contribution into the local economy. The Akwesasne community itself makes a substantial economic impact on the surrounding local economy.
Businesses:
The MCA reports close to 100 businesses within its jurisdiction, including but not limited to: gas stations, convenience stores, gift shops, sport shops, local traditional industry, professional practices (eye doctor, pharmacy,) restaurants, automotive repairs, construction, bank, etc. Comparatively, The SRMT reports 106 businesses, including but not limited to: 2 motels, 1 supermarket, 2 bakeries, 1 raceway, 1 shopping plaza, 14 gas stations, 9 convenience stores, 3 business centers, 3 entertainment venues (casino and bingo halls) 8 tobacco shops, 8 gift and craft shops, sport shops, professional practices (eye doctor, chiropractor) 15 restaurants, car washes, 8 automotive service centers, 21 construction companies, auto sales, etc.
Cultural and Social Centers:
The Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center, and the Tsiionkwanatiio Historic Site provide activities and cultural enrichment programs throughout the year. The museum and displays are open to the Community and general public. The Ronnathahonni Cultural Center provides activities and cultural enrichment programs throughout the year. Its museum and displays are open to the community and general public. An annual Friendship Day, opens its doors to visitors from Akwesasne and surrounding communities. The Akwesasne Pow-wow is an annual event that is open to the community and the general public and the event takes place on the second weekend of September. The Akwesasne Anowarakowa Arena features a myriad of events open to the Community and the general public including lacrosse and hockey. There are also two Senior Citizens Centers that boast 500 members. The Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club and another Akwesasne Youth center have 923 members.
Schools in Akwesasne:
Akwesasne has 4 schools that serve the community, they are:
- Kana:takon School
- Tsi Snaihne School
- Ahkwesahsne Mohawk School (AMS)
- Iohahi:io Akwesasne Education & Training Institute
Along with our schools in the U.S. portion of the community, Akwesasne students also attend elementary, secondary, and special education schools off-reserve in Cornwall, Ontario; Massena, NY; Fort Covington, NY; and elsewhere.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne also operates three of the four daycare facilities located within Akwesasne, private daycares are also a thriving business throughout Akwesasne and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne supervises those daycares operating within its three districts.