"We Will Govern"
Meet the Entewatatha:wi Team
Working Passionately for the Future!
Rachel Lazare, Project Manager
613 575- 2250 ext. 3190
I have worked at Entewatathá:wi since March 2017. As the Project Manager of Nation Building, I am responsible for the development of the of Entewatathá:wi Self-Government Agreement (ESGA) that establishes the fundamental principles of a government-to-government relationship between Akwesasne and Canada. Akwesasne is negotiating for greater recognition of its jurisdiction and authority to take over managing our own affairs. In the future a referendum will be held to allow the Mohawks of Akwesasne to vote for or against ESGA.
Cheavee Willie, Executive Assistant
613-575-2250 ext: 3194
As an Executive Assistant, I provide support to the project manager and staff at the Entewatatha:wi project office.
Jacey Rourke, Public Relations Officer
613-575-2250 ext: 3191
As the Entewatathá:wi Public Relations Officer since March 2022, I am responsible for the community education and community engagement with regards to the Akwesasne-Canada Entewatathá:wi Self Government Agreement (ESGA).
Brandi Benedict, Special Projects Officer
613-575-2250 ext: 3193
I joined Entewatathá:wi in August 2024 as the Special Projects Officer. In this role, I am responsible for the development of the Akwesasronon Onkwenwhentsia’shon:a, also known as the Akwesasne Land Law, which is being developed alongside the ESGA. Additionally, I provide support the Project Manager on various special projects as assigned. I am eager to be part of this team and contribute to making a positive impact in the Akwesasne community.
Donna Roundpoint, MCA Associate Director
The MCA Associate Director plays an important role in these negotiations by providing administrative oversight and strategic guidance.
Nathan Richards, Legal Counsel
The MCA Legal Counsel provides critical legal expertise, analyzing proposals, assessing their implications, and protecting the legal and inherent rights of the Mohawks of Akwesasne. Richards has been serving the Mohawks of Akwesasne and other Indigenous peoples since his call to the bar in 2001, advising on a variety of issues with a focus on Aboriginal title, Aboriginal rights, treaty rights, environmental law, administrative law, and governance.
Entewatatha:wi Community Advisors
The Communications Working Group provides advice relating to the development of the ESGA rolling draft, other legal instruments as required, and guidance in the development of the communication plan and other publications distributed to the Mohawks of Akwesasne. The Community Advisors participate in the Main Table Negotiations and Negotiations Preparation to ensure they are current with all subject matters. Community Advisors are a representation of the community of Akwesasne and assist the Entewatathá:wi program in gauging the needs and concerns of the membership of Akwesasne that are related to self-government.
Laura Francis, Community Advisor from the district of Kana:takon
Lucy Papineau, Community Advisor from the district of Kawehno:ke
Nadine Jacobs, Community Advisor from the district of Kawehno:ke
