The Justice Commission of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke announced today that it will begin information sessions on a proposed Kahnawà:ke Judicial Act.
The purpose of the sessions is to determine whether or not Kahnawà:ke wants a court to be empowered by the people. The process could begin in early 2009.
The sessions will include an historical and current overview of the present Kahnawà:ke court structure, including discussions on its function and limitations.
“Our own Judicial Act would be the one piece of legislation that we can use to interpret our own laws,” said Chief Mike Bush. “This would be a giant step in solidifying our jurisdiction outside of the Indian Act.”
In effect, a Kahnawà:ke Judicial Act would create a better forum to resolve conflicts in Kahnawà:ke.