"We Will Govern"
Stepping Stones of Entewatathá:wi
Since 1999, the Mohawks of Akwesasne have taken steps toward managing our affairs by reclaiming areas previously managed by the Government of Canada through the outdated Indian Act (1876).
To Be Determined | Ratification
Ratification requires a comprehensive understanding of the ESGA by the members of Akwesasne. Ultimately, the membership of Akwesasne will vote on the ESGA via referendum. The final package will also include two legal instruments; the Fiscal Relationship Agreement and the Akwesasne Land Law.
Ongoing | Community Engagement and Education
Educating the community on the ESGA and involving community
members to ensure that questions and concerns are understood
and considered prior to ratification. A Communications Working
Group has been established to develop and review educational
materials for the community.
2024 | Fiscal Relationship Negotiations
Akwesasne and Canada will negotiate the Fiscal Chapter and Fiscal
Relationship Agreement that is sustainable and meets the financial
obligations based on Akwesasne’s expanded jurisdiction. This
Agreement will establish how funds will flow to MCA programs
and services.
2019 | Amalgamated into one Agreement Known as ESGA
The Governance and Relationship Agreement and the Sectoral
Agreement were combined in 2019 into the Akwesasne-Canada
Entewatatha:wi Self Government Agreement (ESGA).
2015 | Expansion of LESA into a Sectoral Agreement
In March 2015, the Land and Estates Sectoral Agreement (LESA)
was expanded. This expansion led to two additional jurisdictions in
the agreement, they are Administration of Justice and Education.
2013 | Final Agreement Negotiations Began
3. Scheduled meetings between Akwesasne and Canada to negotiate language and terms of the Final Agreements. Negotiations began once the Agreement-in-Principles were signed.
2012- 2013 | Akwesasne-Canada Agreement-in-Principle (AIP)
2. This is the initial framework of the Final Agreements. The Governance and Relationship Agreement-in-Principle was signed on May 30, 2012 and the Land and Estates Sectoral Agreement-in-Principle was signed on November 4, 2013.
2005 | Process and Schedule Agreement (PSA)
1. This established the agenda, time frame and scope of negotiations between Akwesasne and Canada towards an Agreement-in-Principle, for the Final Agreements.
1999 | Political Protocol
Established the processes necessary to address Akwesasne’s unique circumstances. The Protocol also supports the negotiations and the implementation of the new arrangement between Akwesasne and Canada. Akwesasne renegotiates the Protocol with ISC/CIRNAC.