Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and Ratitsénhaienhs from the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) have met to discuss progress and developments regarding the return of land to the community.
During this visit, the Honourable Minister Rebecca Alty announced $1.2 million in funding to the MCK to support clean-up work at the St. Rémi federal surplus property, also known as the Old Radar Site. This funding reflects Canada's commitment to reconciliation by working in partnership with Indigenous communities and supporting the return of land.
As a first step, MCK representatives will have access to certain parts of the St. Rémi property during the clean-up. Environmental reports found contamination in and under the building and communications tower, including oil and asbestos, posing risks to human health and the environment. This funding will help make the property safe for use and meet federal environmental standards.
Once the clean-up is complete, Kahnawà:ke community members will be able to use the land for cultural and ceremonial practices as well as agriculture, advancing the ultimate objective of returning land to the collective as soon as possible and supporting the Food Sovereignty project.
Minister Alty and Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo also had an opportunity to meet on the Kahnawà:ke-Canada Relations file and reiterated their mutual commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed in 2024. All of this work supports reconciliation by recognizing Indigenous leadership and their role in caring for their lands and communities for generations to come.
