The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has issued a statement reaffirming its sovereignty over its current land base, which includes the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, referred to as Kaniatarowanèn:ne. One of several groups that comprise the Mohawk Nation, the MCK has long advocated for reforms to Canada’s Specific Claims Policy and the UNDRIP Act Action Plan, focusing on land back initiatives and resolving historic grievances.

“Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s proposal to use surplus federal lands for housing must prioritize collaboration with Kahnawà:ke and other First Nation communities,” said Ohénton Írate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “Canada has a land debt – and we have a land grievance. It is imperative that citizens, voters, and residents of our unceded territories across Turtle Island, recognize the lands they are settling on, and to urge their decision-makers to resolve these issues with the true caretakers of the land. We declare an end to the era of disregard over our lands.”

According to Seigneury of Sault St. Louis Land Grievance and Indigenous Rights & Research Portfolio Lead Ratsénhaienhs Ross Montour, both the Quebec and federal governments have failed to implement legislation or policies that facilitate the return of lands to Indigenous communities.

“While Canada’s international actions often dominate headlines, the true measure of its commitment to justice lies in how it addresses longstanding issues here at home,” he said. “It’s time for governments to honour their commitments—past and present—and actively support the land back approach,”

Ahead of the federal election, the MCK is recommending policy changes to remove restrictions on settlements that displace third parties; prioritize land return over financial compensation; and emphasize the role of provinces in resolving specific claims. The group is urging “immediate action” to address these issues, and calling for citizens to hold leaders accountable in recognizing Indigenous sovereignty.