CORNWALL, ONTARIO (August 7, 2013) - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, joined Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne for a tour of the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne yesterday.
Our government is working with Akwesasne to advance our shared goals and improve economic development opportunities,
said Minister Valcourt. I would like to thank Grand Chief Mitchell and all of Akwesasne for the warm welcome I received during my visit. The work done by leaders within the Akwesasne community is paving the way to advance economic interests.
Both parties discussed shared goals of increased economic development opportunities through tourism and local infrastructure projects. Also, the priority to improve quality of life through community initiatives like the leading water treatment facility, and by addressing barriers such as border accessibility were addressed.
Following yesterday's introductory meeting with Minister Valcourt the Grand Chief commented, The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is very appreciative to have had first hand introduction to Minister Valcourt in Akwesasne. We were pleased to have the opportunity to show the Minister the geographic and multi-jurisdiction challenges we face. He now understands the unique geographical issues that are attached to having an international border crossing in our community. We have unique problems/situations that call for creative solutions. We look forward to working with the Minister to find creative, reasonable solutions to Akwesasne's border and community issues.
Akwesasne has approximately 11,000 members. The community has a unique jurisdictional and geographical situation due to its location. The border between Canada and the United States runs through Akwesasne and the Ontario/Quebec provincial border also runs through Akwesasne reserve land within Canada.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is the elected government on the Canadian side of Akwesasne territory.
The Government of Canada remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and their personal financial security.
Information on:
Video:
Settlement Agreement
This release is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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