Consultation and construction will be two of the main focuses for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Band Council in 2024.
As Quinte News tees up the new year, we spoke with Chief R. Don Maracle.
He says there are a number of priorities.
“There is a tremendous need for affordable housing. Last year we were able to construct 12 new houses under the program from the federal government.”
Maracle says the need for a court system is important for justice on the reserve.
“The police do not have to enforce band by-laws, so there’s ongoing discussions with the Attorney General and the Minster of Justice Canada for the need for a court system.”
Last year a partial settlement was approved on the Culbertson Land Tract, a 293-acre swatch of land now under control of the reserve.
$31 million was also approved in the settlement.
Maracle says they are consulting with MBQ members on what to do with the land.
“We hired Dan Brant Consulting and Deloitte Chartered Accounting Firm to conduct a survey. It still has to be presented to the new council.”
Development of agricultural land, post-secondary funding, a 401 service centre to support the territory, and hunting-fishing rights are also on the agenda for the Chief.
