Akwesasne Election Law – Amendment

The Mohawks of Akwesasne enacted a customary election law in 1988 ensuring that selection of leadership was in accordance with local community custom. This law was subsequently amended to the current document called the Akwesasne Election Law in 2005. Amendments to this law have been brought forward to the community in 2008, 2011, and 2018 – all were rejected by the community.

In administering the law since 2005 the Akwesasne community, Akwesasne Tekaia’torehthà:ke (Akwesasne Court), Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and administration, have identified a need to amend the Akwesasne Election Law.

The Akwesasne Legislative Commission selected amendment of the Akwesasne Election Law as a priority for 2019. The amendment process in the Akwesasne Election Law was changed at a Special General Meeting vote held on September 28, 2019. Future changes to this law may be brought to the community for approval in a referendum vote as a result of this change.

A revised document will be written based on feedback provided by the community during previous consultation sessions. Additional community engagement sessions will happen in the coming months.

For more information on this proposed amendment contact the Akwesasne Justice Department at 613-575-2250 ext. 2400.

• Akwesasne Election Law – Amendment Update (2023)
• Akwesasne Election Law – Amendment Update (2019)
• Community Notice: Akwesasne Election Law – Amendment
• Akwesasne Election Law – Amendment (July 23, 2019)
• Akwesasne Legislative Enactment Regulation
• Community Notice: Akwesasne Election Law – Amendment Voting Results