April 2015
FAMILY REAL PROPERTY LAW
-The Abénakis of Odanak have from time immemorial used and occupied their Lands
and possess the Seigneurial rights;
-The Abénakis of Odanak have the inherent right to govern themselves and their
lands;
-The Abénakis of Odanak desire to protect their members living on their reserve
lands in accordance with their culture and traditions;
-The Abénakis of Odanak do not wish to be bound by the default provisions of the
Federal Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (Canada);
-The provincial laws respecting real property do not apply to reserve lands;
-The Abénakis of Odanak desire to provide a law appropriate to their culture and
traditions respecting the use, enjoyment and occupation of family homes on their reserve lands
and the division of real property rights or interests held by spouses or common-law partners on
reserve lands;
-The spouses and common-law partners should be enabled to make agreements to deal
with their rights and obligations upon separation or divorce and to resolve their disputes
amicably;
-The Abénakis of Odanak believe that the best interests and welfare of the children
should be paramount when determining the rights and interests of spouses and common-law
partners and that family homes should be a place of safety and comfort for children;
DISCRIMINATION IN TERMS OF INDIAN REGISTRATION
The Abenakis of Odanak and Wôlinak have decided to take legal action against the discriminatory aspects that still exist in the Indian Act following the adoption of Bill C-31 in 1985. The aim is to promote the equality of all Abenaki people with regard to access to Indian status and to promote unity and cohesion within Abenaki communities
January 2015
ELECTIONS RESULTS ARE OUT
On October 19, nominations were held for candidates for Chief and Councillors for the Abenakis of Odanak Council. Candidates had three hours to submit their applications, from 9am to noon. For a nomination to be valid, two people had to support the candidate, one to propose the candidate and the other to second the proposal. From noon to 3pm, the electoral officer, Mr. Yves Landry, called all the candidates to explain the course of the election campaign. On Saturday, October 26, from 1pm to 5pm, a meeting was held in Albany, NY, to allow candidates to introduce themselves and their election platform to Abenaki members of this region. On November 30, from 8am to 8pm, the elections were held. The counting was done the next day and the results were announced in the evening.