Kanesatake security finds temp funding

The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) has secured temporary funding for Kanesatake Perimeter Security (KPS), prolonging the security team service past the March 31 end date of a federal five-year fund.

Temporary funding under the First Nations Quebec-Labrador Health and Social Services Commission is expected to cover 12 KPS employees full-time for the next six months, said MCK caretaker council member Brant Etienne.

“It’s short-term and gives us a little bit of breathing room until a more permanent solution is found,” said KPS coordinator Kane Montour.

Since 2021, the KPS has grown from a COVID-19 response team to a security force that responds to local emergencies, including health crises and car accidents.

Over time, the team has built strong working relationships with the Surete du Quebec (SQ), neighbouring fire departments, and paramedic teams, while becoming recognized by many in the community as an essential service.

Uncertainty over their funding has threatened to weaken their presence in the community, and erode progress made to strengthen first responders’ interventions in Kanesatake, while emboldening private security teams tied to cannabis shops who have attempted to poach members of the KPS.

“We didn’t lose anybody,” said Montour, referring to security staff.

From 2021 to March 31, 2026, the KPS received funds under the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Program, a five-year program under Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

The new temporary funding was secured by caretaker council member Amy Beauvais from a community mobilization program.

“The fact that this commission funding is able to be used is great. It’s just unfortunate that it isn’t the long-term solution,” said Etienne.

The MCK and the KPS are still looking for permanent funding, said Etienne. His goal is to find sustainable funding for the KPS.

“The point is to get a long-term funding contract in play to keep KPS going,” said Etienne.

Last week, Oka Mayor Patrick Hardy issued a public letter of support for the KPS.

“It is important for our region to support the efforts of the Kanesatake community to

provide a safe living environment for its residents. By supporting the request to

renew funding for KPS, we are taking a step in the right direction,” said Oka mayor Patrick Hardy in the press release issued on March 25.

The Iroquois Caucus and the SQ have also issued letters of support for funding for the KPS.

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Hadassah Alencar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter