Akwesasne Justice Department
“Equity, fairness and respectfulness.”
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Justice Department is located in the District of Kana:takon at
45 Johnson Road, Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
Phone: 613-575-2250 ext. 2400 | Fax: 613-575-1726 | Open: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Monday to Friday
The Akwesasne Justice Department employs the principle of natural justice to empower the community to safeguard collective rights, primarily, and individual rights (secondary) for Akwesasronon, while remaining respectful of the community’s heritage and culture.
Authorities, Boards, Commissions, Tribunals
- Akwesasne Membership Board
- Akwesasne Review Commission
- Akwesasne Election Appeal Board
- Neh Kanikonriio Council
- Akwesasne Legislative Commission
- Akwesasne Tobacco Commission
A First Nation Justice System
A first in Canada, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne designed a First Nation Justice System based on customary laws which incorporate traditional restorative principles in the three main responsibilities of government: Law-Making; Adjudication; and Enforcement.
- Akwesasne Legislative Enactment Regulation
- General Referendum Regulation
- Akwesasne Law Registry
- Akwesasne Court Law
- Akwesasne Court Procedures
- Council of Elders/Appellate Division
- Compliance and Conservation enforcement of Akwesasne Laws.
Legislative Services
- 34 Akwesasne Laws Registered With Akwesasne Law Registry
- 1 Laws currently being amended
- Akwesasne Election Law – Amendment Information Here
- 5 Laws currently being developed
- 35 additional laws are needed to meet community priorities
Akwesasne Court
Prosecutor and Defense Counsel
As an inherent right court, the judiciary is overseen by the Akwesasne Review Commission to ensure judicial independence.
The Akwesasne Tekaia’torehtha:ke Kaianerenhsera (Akwesasne Court Law) sets out the principles, powers, and authorities of the court and reflects the values of the Mohawks of Akwesasne and the principles of Sken:nen (peace), Kasastensera (strength) and Kanikonri:io (a good mind), respect, fairness, and natural justice.
The Akwesasne Court Law is enacted in exercise of the inherent right of self-government of the Mohawks of Akwesasne as recognized and affirmed by the Royal Proclamation of 1763; section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982; and, by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Services:
- Adjudication of Akwesasne Laws
- Court-appointed defense services
- Peace bond Hearings
- Mediation Services
- Appeals
- Community Service
Akwesasne Community Justice Program
In 2004, a Crown Protocol agreement was established between MCA, DOJ Quebec, and MAG Ontario for diversion and community justice services.
Services:
- Neh Kanikonriio Council (Criminal Court Diversions) 30-50 diversions/year
- Indigenous Court Worker Program to assist the accused, victims, and witnesses to understand the rights, responsibilities, and options available to the offender and the victim.
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Youth Justice Worker:
- (Youth Personal Service Orders)
- Extra-Judicial Measures (since 2012) = 84 clients
- Extra-Judicial Services (since 2012) = 63 clients
Native Inmate Liaison Officer Program
Native programming, services, and counselling at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre.
- Culturally-relevant programming
- Sweat lodge on site
- Smudging
- Referral services
Akwesasne Justice Department Programs
- Akwesasne Court
- Akwesasne Legal Aid Clinic
- Akwesasne Representative & Advocacy Program
- Legal Services
- Legislative Development/Services
- Akwesasne Community Justice Program
- Early Release Parole
- Ontario Probation
- Quebec Probation
- Youth Probation & Reintegration
Akwesasne Justice Department Services
- Court Worker Services
- Firearms Safety Course
- Jury Duty Notices
- Complaints on CBSA
- Mediation Services
- Criminal Diversions
- Gladue Writer
- Cultural Sensitivity Training
- Legislative Services
- Legal Services
- Paralegal Services
- Native Counselling Services
Forms
- Application To Voters List
- Boat Registration Regulation 2022
- Boat Registration Form 2022
- Compliance Office – Animal Registration Form
- Couples Property Law Regulations
- Couples Property Law Application
- Couples Property Law Statement Of Defence
- Community Service Procedure
- Community Service Intake Form
- Community Service Participant Responsibilities Agreement Form
- Community Service Record of Hours Form
Video
Iatathróna Raotiientáhtsera “Couples Property” Law
Contact
Acting Director: Cactus Cook Sunday
Contact Info: 613-575-2250 • Ext. 2400
Fax: 613-575-1726
Send Email
Recent News
- INFORMATION ON FILING MCA ELECTION APPEALS The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s (MCA) Justice Department is providing the community with the following […]
- CALL OUT FOR MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTThe Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Justice Department is currently looking to fill three vacant seats […]
- RFP: CONSULTANT FOR STRATEGIC PLANThe Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Justice Department invites proposals from qualified and experienced consultants to […]
- MCA HOSTS ELECTORAL OFFICERS TRAINING & SWEARING-IN CEREMONYRecently, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne held an Electoral Officers Training for the Chief Electoral […]
- MCA WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF JUSTICEThe Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is pleased to announce that Cactus Cook Sunday has been […]