Quebec, Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke look to strengthen partnership through signed memorandum
Posted December 20, 2024 3:08 pm.
Last Updated December 20, 2024 3:22 pm.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault, alongside the Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, Cody Diabo, signed a memorandum of understanding Friday in Montreal, to document the intentions of both governments and provide roadmap to their partnership.
“The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke has advocated for an agreement that is simplified, clear, and mutually respectful, one that avoids language and references that have historically caused disputes,” said Cody Diabo, Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke.
“Today marks a new beginning in Quebec’s relationship with Kahnawà:ke, and I look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years to come,” said Premier Legault.
“I want to personally thank Grand Chief Cody Diabo and his team for negotiating with us in good faith and for our mutual benefits. Today’s memorandum of understanding is for me a historical step. We will have other steps after, but it’s a step that demonstrates the trust between Quebec and Kahnawà:ke.”
Legault acknowledged the up to 211 acres of land owed to the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke – acquired by the province nearly 20 years ago during the construction of Highway 30. Legault says they will settle the matter.
“Maybe at times we might not agree on everything, but I think as long as we’re focusing on what’s important, we can accomplish many things. History has shown that together we are stronger and we are better working together rather than separately or at odds,” said Diabo.
Diabo says building a productive, enduring relationship “will not happen overnight.”
“It requires honest, sustained effort to identify and implement cooperative solutions that respect both our jurisdictions,” he said. “We believe that this new foundation creates the conditions necessary for meaningful, result-driven discussions on shared interests and paving the way for important conversations grounded in mutual trust, with always the focus of the seven generations to come.”
