The year that was in Kahnawake

As 2025 draws to a close and we prepare to welcome 2026, The Eastern Door staff took a look back at the last 12 months of news in Kahnawake. And, as we find ourselves saying every year, what a year it has been! From major arts projects for some of Kahnawake’s finest acting talent to community protests about cannabis and traffic, we’ve recapped it all below.

Housing

In August, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK), in partnership with Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takéhnhas Community Services (KSCS), broke ground on three new three-bedroom family units, with future work also scheduled on larger multiplex units that should give the community a total of 41 new units to address the urgent need for housing in town.

In October, MCK announced that a maximum of $950,000 is being set aside to reverse interest charges to those affected by the 2018 housing scandal that defrauded community members. MCK chief Ryan Montour said that the move is part of a three-year restructuring of the Housing Unit, with the intended goal of rebuilding trust in the community.

Health

Issues with Jordan’s Principle abounded this year, with local families still facing immense delays in receiving funding. The federal government is set to release a new plan ordered by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal outlining a path forward for reform of Child and Family Services, which should reveal more information about the future of Jordan’s Principle funding.

In July, the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) announced new ultrasound services, allowing for a range of ultrasound procedures like pelvic exams to take place in the community. Obstetric ultrasounds still have to be undertaken outside of the community due to the licencing needed for technicians.

The Kateri Memorial Foundation (KMF) disbursed more money than ever before at the 10th edition of its Karonhiaráhstha Scholarship Award Ceremony. Forty of Kahnawake’s brightest future medics received support from the fund.

Bill 2 passed in November, changing the way that doctors will be paid, sparking large-scale protests by healthcare workers. The Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) and MCK say they’re worried about how the legislation could impact Kahnawake, potentially causing more doctor shortages in the community.

Some aspects of the bill have since been walked back by the government, and recent amendments mean that there will be more time before it goes into effect, which was initially expected to happen on January 1.  Provincial Health minister Christian Dubé met with MCK leadership to discuss the bill in December, promising more dialogue on the topic in the new year.

Cannabis

At this time last year, the community was anticipating 2025 being the year that dispensaries would open in town. That proved not to be the case, with community opposition being strong throughout the year, starting with a march in the springtime where hundreds of community members told the MCK that they were opposed to dispensaries opening in town.

Meetings were held between the Mohawk Trail Longhouse, the 207 Longhouse, and MCK about the issue, with both Longhouses issuing joint statements opposing the opening of dispensaries in the community.

By June, the Kahnawake Cannabis Control Board (KCCB), who are in charge of regulating and administering the Kahnawake Cannabis Control Law, was non-functioning, after its remaining members resigned and former chairperson Tara Jacobs announced she would not be seeking reappointment. One former KCCB member, Darlene Alfred, said she had lost faith in the “integrity of the system.”

Without a functioning KCCB, the process of assigning dispensary licences cannot proceed, and things have been at a standstill since the summer.

While the future of the retail sale of cannabis in the community remains in question, processing licenses are still active, with a small number of businesses permitted to grow cannabis for sale to other retailers, like the federal entity Societe quebecoise du cannabis (SQDC).

Land use and Traffic

Consultations took place in the spring about what to do with more than 500 acres of land located along Highway 30 and the Old Chateauguay Road (OCR) that has been returned to the community. The consultations saw more than 500 community members respond, with the most common ideas for the land being housing projects, conservation, and environmental projects.

Early in December, the MCK also announced that an additional 162 acres of land has been successfully added to Kahnawake’s land base as part of the Seigneury of Sault St. Louis (SSSL) land grievance. Those parcels of land are being eyed for future agricultural projects.

Culture and community events

Progress continued on the Kahnawake Cultural Arts Center this year, with the official name “Kanatahkwèn:ke” (meaning “Our Village”) revealed in the fall. Fundraising is in the final phase, with more than $660,000 raised from K1037’s Radiothon alone in October.

The building is scheduled to open next year and will house the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (KOR), the Turtle Island Theatre, Kahnawake Tourism, and even Tóta Ma’s Cafe.

The 2025 International Indigenous Tourism Conference was a hit in February, with events taking place in Montreal and in Kahnawake for more than 1000 attendees from across Turtle Island. Kahnawake Tourism was involved in the planning of the conference, and visitors toured the community, taking place in cultural activities and workshops.

Though 2024 and 2023 saw vibrant Pride Parades in Kahnawake, there were no festivities this year, after no individuals or organizations volunteered to take on the organizational responsibilities.

More than 12,000 people passed through the powwow gates for the 33rd Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow-Wow this July. Nearly $80,000 was withdrawn from on-site ATMs, with 30 food vendors and around 80 craft booths drawing in guests. A new entry method where people paid for tickets on the island was attempted this year, which saw a significant decrease in congestion on the bridge across both days.

The WAVES 2025 Global Indigenous Language Summitt saw thousands head to Ottawa to learn and share about Indigenous languages. The event was emceed by Kahnawa’kehró:non Waneek Horn-Miller, with other locals also representing at the event.

Education

In March, five students from Kahnawake Education Center (KEC) schools flew out to Whapmagoostui/Kuujjuarapik in Nunavik for the 2025 Quebec Indigenous Science Fair, having won the science fairs at each of their schools. Willow Jackson, Iakothwatsiriio Stacey, Kahnawiiostha Whyte-Turner, Kaylani Delormier, and Kanien’kwentha McComber each impressed, bringing home four prizes for their hard work.

As a result of government delays and pauses to Jordan’s Principle funding, the MCK stepped up to cover the costs of private school tuition for community members with special needs who previously had their school costs covered under the program. They covered more than $300,000 of funding that wasn’t covered by KEC for the 2025-26 school year, a cost that chiefs say they will seek reimbursement for from the federal government.

External Government Relations

The Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) office in town closed down this year, and though it was initially expected that community members could renew band cards in Montreal, it was ultimately revealed that the nearest ISC office would be in Quebec City, leaving many irate with the commute that will be required to complete renewals.

Peacekeepers are expected to receive nearly $13 million in additional funding over the next five years following negotiations between the force and federal and provincial entities. The funding represents a year over year increase of approximately $2 million, something that came into effect at the start of April.

In February, Ghislain Picard departed from his role as head of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), a position he had held for 33 years. He passed over the reins to Francis Verreault-Paul, who comes into the position with a background in professional hockey, having pivoted to politics after serving as Picard’s chief of staff for the previous two years.

The MCK was vocally opposed to Bill C-5, which was ultimately passed, becoming the One Canadian Economy Act. The legislation supports the fast-tracking of infrastructure projects in the name of development, something that MCK grand chief Cody Diabo said was rushed through without adequate consultation with Indigenous communities.

In September, the SRMT announced they’d reached an agreement with the New York governor, that along with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) could spell the end of a decades-long land grievance.

Many have been conflicted about the news, with some advocates saying the deal symbolizes a loss of sovereignty that could extend to other communities like Kahnawake, and others saying it’s a positive step for reconciliation.

The same month, Quebec announced an end to its involvement in the controversial Northvolt project, which many had advocated against, including MCK chief Ross Montour. The MCK had filed a lawsuit in early 2024 accusing both provincial and federal governments of failing to consult with the community before approving the project on traditional lands. The axing of the project represents a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars for Quebec.

In November, the federal government announced that Bill S-2 would mark an end to second generation cut-off within the Indian Act. MCK chiefs had told senators of their concerns about how the amendments to the Indian Act could impact the community - the bill still has to move through parliament before it’s implemented.

Arts and entertainment

As always, community members were leaders in fashion shows around the world, including in February, when Kahnawa’kehró:non Vanessa Martin strutted down the runway at New York Fashion Week cradling her baby bump.

Community members heated up the first ever Santa Fe Native Fashion Week in May, including designer Thea Thomas and model Karahkwinetha Sage Goodleaf.

Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs continues to impress, this year dipping her toes into the world of directing. She was selected for the Sundance Institute’s 45th Directors Lab, where her screenplay was chosen as one of eight to be fleshed out in Colorado under the mentorship of industry experts.

Local artist Skawennati had a big year, launching her solo show Skawennati: Welcome to the Dreamhouse at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa over the summer. She was also part of an unsanctioned digital art exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where her work and the work of other Indigenous artists was overlaid on art in the museum’s American Wing, only able to be viewed on a phone screen.

In August, local fashion shone once again at the Sana Fe Indian Market, with Karoniénhawe Diabo bringing six models (Kassidy Jacobs, Kahentiiosta Yen, David Akwiratekha LeDuc, Alisha Kastitsaro:roks Deer, Naomi Jacobs, and Sakoya Skariononwe Yen) for the UPLIFT 2025 fashion show, held in conjunction with the market. Leith Mahkewa also took home two ribbons at the market.

Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo was selected for the prestigious Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award from the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in August, which will see her complete two fully supported residences at the Banff Centre. Diabo is developing her new piece Dream in Wampum as part of the residency.

In November, Tasha Hubbard’s Meadowlarks premiered for audiences in Quebec, with community members gathering from Kahnawake to see local actress Alex Rice star in the ensemble cast. The film follows a family separated by the Sixties Scoop. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) earlier in the fall.

October saw some of Kahnawake’s finest in theatre take to the Centaur Theatre stage for Stone and Bone Spectacular.The play was co-created by Ange Loft, Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo and Iehente Foote, and featured Kahnawake talent on stage and behind the scenes.

Kaniehtiio Horn’s latest project, The Lowdown was met with rave reviews from critics. The show, directed by Sterlin Harjo, follows a citizen journalist obsessed with uncovering the truth, and Horn acts opposite Ethan Hawke.

Courtney Montour’s also shared her latest documentary  Rising Through the Fray in November, charting the story of an all-Indigenous roller derby team that took the scene by storm.

Losses

The start of the year was hard, as the community learned of the death of beloved teacher Krissy Goodleaf, who passed away on December 30, 2024. As students and staff returned to Kahnawake Survival School (KSS) after the winter break, they came together to remember the impact Goodleaf made on generations of students in town. Her memory was honoured again in April with the first-ever Krissy Goodleaf Memorial Volleyball Championship, which will take place annually in her memory.

A beloved jokester in town, the community mourned Joseph Tekaroniake “Dega” Lazare, who passed away in January. Lazare is remembered for his skits and his contributions to the media world, which took him to renowned places like the Sundance Film Festival.

Carl Skye Jr. also passed away in February, a beloved face at the KMHC where he had lived permanently. In his obituary with The Eastern Door, Skye’s sisters commended the level of care their brother received and simultaneously advocated for there to be a long-term care facility for adults with special needs in Kahnawake, so that other adults with long-term care needs don’t have to leave the community for care.

In March, Karihwenhawe Dorothy Lazore passed away at the age of 77, having spent decades as a fierce advocate for Kanien’kéha. She was one of the first-ever teachers at the Kanien’kéha Ratiwennahní:rats Adult Immersion Program, and a former principal of Karonhianónhnha Tsi Ionterihwaienstáhkhwa, where she fostered language learning for generations of children.

This year we also said goodbye to Connie McArdle, who was one of The Eastern Door’s earliest employees, having served the newspaper in many roles until her retirement in 2014. McArdle survived a pioneering liver transplant using a pig liver in 1994 and lived a long life until her death at the age of 86, advocating tirelessly for organ donation.

Crime and Punishment

In March, Joseph So:se Montour was arrested on three new charges in addition to six separate offences that came from his prior arrest in December 2024. His original arrests were made in connection with calls to the front desk of Kateri Memorial Hospital Center (KMHC), which prompted lockdowns being called on two separate occasions, with his subsequent charges including uttering threats, obstruction of justice, and breach of arrest conditions.

In May, Darin Albany was delivered an eviction notice from the MCK, forcing him to leave the community for a second time after he was forced out by the MCK in 2023. Albany pleaded no contest to criminal sexual conduct involving a person under 13 years old in 2006, but absconded, which led to an arrest warrant being issued in Michigan.

In August, outrage sparked on social media after online accounts were discovered to be posting indecent images of women and girls from Kahnawake, Akwesasne, and Kanesatake. Multiple videos and imaged featured men masturbating to ordinary images of women and girls from the communities, with many women coming forward to speak out about the sexual harassment.

The matter led to local protests, with community members protesting outside the homes of men that they believed to be allegedly involved in the situation. Joseph So:se Montour was arrested related to activity at the protests after community members gathered outside of him home, where protestors were shot with a pellet gun.

He was formally charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of uttering death threats, possession of a weapon and an imitation of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence as well as breach of a release order.

This week, Joseph So:se Montour was arrested following a social media post on his Facebook account that said a mass shooting was incoming, causing chaos in the region. He was subsequently banned from Kahnawake by the MCK.

Jaaji Okpik, one half of the musical duo Twin Flames was arrested in May on seven charges, including sexual assault. Okpik is also known as Sunchild (George) Deer-Okpik, is Mohawk-Inuk, and his biological father is from Kahnawake.

As a result, the duo announced they were parting ways.

Zoey Harnest, a 26-year-old from Chateauguay, died after a call was made to report that she was in medical distress at a residence in Kahnawake. The investigation was transferred from the Peacekeepers to the Surete du Quebec (SQ) Major Crimes Division.

Both communities took to Facebook to express their anger at what happened and sorrow for her death, questioning the Peacekeepers’ handling of the case.

Justice

A memorandum of understanding signed between the MCK and Correctional Services Canada in September secured a cash flow of $200,000 into the community over the next two years, as well as embedded support for in-community parole workers and reintegration.

Rainbow Distribution owner Robbie Dickson launched a lawsuit against Quebec’s Attorney General and Revenu Quebec in September, suing for more than $8 million in damages after shipments of tobacco and the vehicles carrying them were seized by authorities.

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