The Communities
Akwesasne
“This milestone in our partnership with the City of Cornwall and Transport Canada is a model for other Indigenous and non-Indigenous Communities to strive towards. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to create additional opportunities for both our communities.”
Grand Chief Abram Benedict, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
Over the last thirty years the MCA has been making every effort to create a system of self governance. Diligently trying to ensure the community is responsible for itself and not reliant on other branches of Government. This revitalization has led to the creation and implementation of an Akwesasne board of education, justice system, and police authority. Since 1998, MCA has been actively engaged in discussions with Canada to have certain sections of the Indian Act replaced by Akwesasne’s own laws and regulations. Today, chiefs are elected to Mohawk Council every three years. Twelve District Chiefs (four for each of the northern portion’s three districts) and one Grand Chief are elected to three-year terms.
Mission
“With a good mind it is our responsibility to protect and exercise our inherent rights while creating sustainable partnerships and building a strong community for future generations.”
Vision
“Tsi nén:we wa’kwarihwaientáhkwen – Our Future – Our Responsibility”
Akwesasne – “Land Where the Partridge Drums”
Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk), meaning “people of the flint”
Akwesasne Harbour Development Corporation
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has an investment in a wholly owned corporation, the Akwesasne Harbour Development Corporation (“AHDC”). This company in turn holds a 50% co-ownership interest in the Cornwall port facilities with the Cornwall Harbour Development Corporation.
Cornwall
“The Portlands will be based upon a foundation of respect and understanding and we are hopeful that this unique project will also meet our dreams for a bright future built upon friendship, solidarity, and strong economic and social development.”
The City of Cornwall Ontario
In 1834, Cornwall became one of the first incorporated municipalities in the British colony of Upper Canada. With the construction of the Cornwall Canal between 1834 and 1842, the community’s development accelerated it into a regional and industrial economic “capital” for a growing hinterland of towns and villages. Canal and lock construction throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s brought work and international business to the thriving community.
Cornwall has traditionally been a gateway from the Montreal area to the rest of Canada. Today, the city remains a major port of entry into the country and hosts the largest supply chain management distribution centre in Canada.
Cornwall is a vibrant city with a healthy mix of affordable housing, business opportunities and world class amenities.
A City with a World of Possibilities
Cornwall Harbour Development Corporation
The Cornwall Harbour Development Corporation (CHDC) was established to be a fifty-percent operator, contributor, and redeveloper of the Cornwall – Akwesasne Harbour Partnership, a joint local board with the Akwesasne Harbour Development Corporation (Mohawk Council of Akwesasne), effective June 30th, 2016.
