"We Will Govern"
"In order for people to think, they need some facts to help them. In order for people to govern themselves well, they must know their own history, laws, court cases and decision...If you cannot govern yourself to your satisfaction, there are always those who are willing to govern to their satisfaction".
-Late Ernest Kaientaronkwen Benedict
Self-Government is where Indigenous people may control the administration of the people,
lands, resources and related programs and policies through an agreement with
the Federal Government.
Currently, Akwesasne is negotiating the Akwesasne-Canada Entewatathá:wi Self-Government Agreement (ESGA) with the Federal Government of Canada.
ESGA will establish expanded governance and new jurisdiction and authority for areas such as but not limited to: Membership, Administration of Justice, Lands and Lands Management, Wills and Estates, Landlord and Tenant, Education, Environmental Protection, Environmental Assessment, and Natural Resource Management, Local Traffic and Transportation, Regulation of Business, Public Safety for the Mohawks of Akwesasne.
The Indian Act, 1876 destroyed the traditional system of governance and enforced external control in the form of Indian Agents and a the bureaucracy of the Department of Indian Affairs (now the 2 Departments: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada). While not getting totally out of the Indian Act we will be keeping areas the benefit Akwesasne, such as s. 29 Reserve Lands are not subject to seizure, s. 87 Tax-exemption and s. 89 Real and personal property of an Indian or Band on a reserve are not subject to charge, pledge, seizure or levy .