Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

09/07/2026

Check out what's happening this week in Akwesasne!

09/07/2026

ROOTED IN CARE: CONVERSATIONS ON INDIGENOUS WELLNESS & NEURODIVERSITY
Join the MCA Special Needs Program as we welcome Dr. Grant Bruno who will share a special community screening of the documentary SEWÂTSIWIN: They Are Sacred following time for reflection, questions, and resource sharing.

Grant Bruno, a Plains Cree scholar and assistant professor at the University of Alberta, combines Indigenous knowledge with modern medicine to improve the health of First Nations children. Focused on neurodiversity and autism, he promotes culturally responsive, strengths-based approaches to address systemic inequities and support Indigenous families.

Session Details:

📅 September 26, 2026 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
• Location: The Port Theatre (132 Montreal Rd, Cornwall, ON, K6H 1B3)
• Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=85RvBC3B502aJXF-YxSfZH7_HlK_5MlKjhSJgfznyctUMDVEVloyUVZUTVBFQk80QVI3VDJFN1dSWC4u

📅 September 26, 2026 (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
• Location: The Port Theatre (132 Montreal Rd, Cornwall, ON, K6H 1B3)
• Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/jD0gGk0wE8?origin=QRCode&qrcodeorigin=presentation

📅 September 27, 2026 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
• Location: Tsi Snaihne Recreation Center
• Intended for Special Needs Parent Committee & Caregivers of Special Needs Individuals

For more information, please contact Kieler Lahache at 613-575-2341 ext. 2655.

09/07/2026

MCA OFFICES CLOSED FOR LABOUR DAY
In observance of the Labour Day holiday, all Mohawk Council of Akwesasne offices will be closed on Monday, September 7.

Essential services and 24-hour care facilities will remain operational. Offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

09/05/2026

09/04/2026

ON-CALL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AVAILABLE DURING LONG WEEKEND
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne's Mental Health Team will be providing on-call mental health support during the MCA closure this long weekend, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Community members who need mental health support can call the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) Non-Emergency Line at 613-575-2340 and ask to be connected with the MCA Mental Health Team.

If you or someone you know could benefit from mental health support, we encourage you to reach out. Help is available, and you do not have to navigate difficult moments alone.

LOCAL SUPPORT & EMERGENCY CONTACTS
• Central Dispatch: 613-575-2000 — Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance and Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department
• Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police: 518-358-9200
• Akwesasne Child & Family Services: 613-575-5020
• Akwesasne Family Wellness Program: 613-937-4322
• MCA Emergency Operations Center: 613-575-5005

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT RESOURCES
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7): 1-833-900-1010
• Hope for Wellness Helpline (24/7): 1-855-242-3310 — Online chat also available at www.hopeforwellness.ca
• Kids Help Phone (24/7): 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• Su***de Crisis Helpline (24/7): Call or text 988
• Telehealth Ontario (24/7): 1-866-797-0000 — Free, confidential health advice from a health professional

09/04/2026

A REMINDER FROM ACFS: YOU MATTER & YOU ARE IMPORTANT
September is National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month. The Akwesasne Child & Family Services Community Support Unit would like to offer a gentle reminder to our community: you matter, and you are important.

Your mental health matters, and you do not have to face difficult moments alone. This month is an opportunity for us to learn more, support one another, show empathy, and help reduce the stigma surrounding su***de and mental health.

Whether you are struggling yourself or supporting someone you care about, reaching out and having a conversation can make a difference. Sometimes, simply letting someone know that they are not alone can mean more than we realize.

📞 If you or someone you know is in distress, call or text 988 in Canada, anytime, day or night.

🔗 For more information and resources on breaking the stigma and supporting those affected by su***de, visit: http://mentalhealthcommission.ca/catalyst/breaking-stigmas-saving-lives/

You matter. Your story matters. You are not alone.❣️

09/04/2026

KMC CLOSING EARLY — SEPTEMBER 4
Please be advised that the Kawehno:ke Medical Clinic (KMC) will be closing early at 4:00 p.m. today, Friday, September 4.

Regular clinic hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the community’s understanding.

09/04/2026

#545 - The Eastern Ontario Health Unit and Cornwall Police Service are warning residents about an increase in drug-related poisonings in The City of Cornwall. The EOHU has been notified by its community partners that a toxic substance present in the unregulated drug supply may be causing the drug poisonings. The substance is called “pink fentanyl,” although its exact composition is currently unknown.

PREVENTION & SAFETY TIPS

The best way to prevent a drug poisoning is to avoid unregulated substances and to only take medications that were prescribed to you by a healthcare professional. However, if you’re going to use unregulated substances, taking the following precautions will help to lower the risk:

• Avoid using alone.
• If you are going to use alone, tell someone before you do and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in on you, or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. A non-judgmental peer will stay on the line with you for approximately 30 minutes to provide support if needed.
• Use only where help is available.
• Avoid using more than one substance at a time. Don’t mix with alcohol or other medications and/or substances (except as prescribed by a medical professional). Take a test dose and wait before taking more of the substance.
• Get a free naloxone kit that can help to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
(https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit)
• Use only new drug paraphernalia supplies and avoid sharing supplies to reduce your risk of getting or passing on an infectious disease.

SIGNS OF OPIOID POISONING

Opioids such as fentanyl slow down the part of the brain that controls breathing, and in the event of a poisoning, can cause someone to stop breathing, potentially resulting in their death. Individuals having an opioid poisoning will display one or more of the following signs:

• They may be nodding off, not waking up easily, or unresponsive.
• They may be breathing very slowly or not at all.
• Their lips and fingernails may be blue/grey.
• Their skin may be cold and clammy.
• Their body may be limp, possibly very tense or they may be shaking.
• They may be snoring or gurgling.
• They may foam at the mouth or throw up.

If you witness a poisoning, it is essential to contact 9-1-1 as soon as possible. A naloxone kit alone may not be enough to reverse the fatal effects of opioids and medical attention may be required. As time is of the essence, naloxone should be administered while you wait for emergency services to arrive. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act can provide some legal protection for individuals that seek emergency help during a poisoning.

To learn more about naloxone overdose prevention kits and where you can find them, visit the Opioids page of the EOHU’s website at www.EOHU.ca, or visit www.ontario.ca/naloxone.

09/04/2026

DEADLINE TO ORDER GREEN FOOD BAG: SEPTEMBER 4
The MCA Department of Health's Community Health Services is proud to offer the Tetewatska:hon – Green Food Bag Program. Each month, Akwesasró:non can enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples for just $20 per bag (limit of 2 bags per person).

Please be reminded that the deadline to order a Green Food Bag for this month is Friday, Seskehkó:wa/September 4 at 4:00 p.m.

Pick-ups will take place on September 15 at the A'nowara'ko:wa Arena and September 16 at Kana:takon Recreation Center and Tsi Snaihne Homemakers, from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Don’t wait to order — quantities are limited!

🍎 What’s in the bag?
Each bag may include items like onions, apples, potatoes, carrots, bananas, cucumbers, lettuce, and more!

💰 How do I pay?
• Cash: Drop off at Community Health Services (Kanonhkwa’tsheri:io Health Facility)
• E-transfer: Send payment to [email protected] (Include “Green Food Bag,” the month, your name, and contact number in the message.)

Please bring your own reusable bags — no bags will be provided!

🗓️ View the Green Food Bag schedule at: https://www.akwesasne.ca/mca-green-food-bag-program