Tewatohnhi'saktha (Kahnawake Economnic Development Commission)


Tewatohnhi'saktha (Kahnawake Economnic Development Commission) is an umbrella entity to promote economic development for the community. It was created by legislation passed by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake on May 10, 1999 and came into effect on June 10, 1999. Tewatohnhi'saktha operates at arm’s length from the MCK; however, it is accountable to them and to the community for its action and results.

Tewatohnhi'saktha loosely translates to “Working together, we will hunt for all our families and nourish their needs to survive collectively following the traditions of our roots.”

In 1999, Tewatohnhi'saktha merged five organizations into one body:
• Kahnawake Economic Development Authority (KEDA)
• Kahnawake Loan Guarantee Fund (KLGF)
• Kahnawake Youth Business Fund (KYBF)
• Kahnawake Jobs Education Training Association (KJETA)
• Mohawk Council of Kahnawake Project Development

By 2007, there were three divisions and one department:
• Small Business Services Division: Supporting economic development and self-sufficiency of Kahnawa’kehró:non (Mohawks of Kahnawake) by improving small business development services and programs, entrepreneurship and access to financing.
• Employment and Training Division: Developing Kahnawake’s human resources by providing effective labour market integration services to individuals, groups and businesses.
• Organizational Services Division: Supporting Tewatohnhi'saktha’s strategic direction and priorities by providing timely, efficient and essential support services to our internal and external clients.
• Office of the CEO (Department): Responsibity: Planning, Board functions, Continent 8, Mohawk Internet Technologies, Revenue Generation, Kahnawake Office Complex, Kahnawake Business Complex, Tewatohnhi'saktha Consulting

Presently, Kahnawake relies on the federal government and other funding agencies for most of its operations, though it has started generating its own revenue. The goal of Tewatohnhi'saktha is to provide the community with financial and business tools and human resources that will promote and enable self reliance and to develop a sustainable economic base that is not limited by outside decisions or criteria. To that end, it has made investments in two office buildings and is currently researching other possible investments. In addition, it manages the community6’s 40% interest in Continent 8, an Isle of Man data center. In 2007, this investment generated $1.7 million for the community through the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake.

Other major activities include investing in and managing community scale projects that generate profits, jobs and/or entrepreneurial opportunities for the community. Financing issued by Tewatohnhi'saktha for private businesses serves as an important instrument for owners of viable businesses to access capital. Such capital services community/business needs, and Tewatohnhi'saktha also offers viable businesses with assistance in their critical stages of growth. Tewatohnhi'saktha also invests in the labour market to help individuals reach their career goals through vocational training, academic upgrading, counseling and on the job training/professional development.

Tewatohnhi'saktha is governed by a Board of Directors composed of seven voting members who meet on a monthly basis. While the Board acts to set policy and. make any major investment decisions, the day-to-day operations are entrusted to the CEO.

We report to the community annually following an audit of our finances at fiscal year end (March 31st) via an annual report containing information on organizational activities, audited financial statements and investment results in business and human resource development, as well as all services offered. The Annual Report is distributed in mid-summer.

We welcome representatives of the 15th Annual CANDO National Conference and hope you will be able to visit some of the fine businesses and establishments during your visit. Be sure to pick up one of the Shop Kahnawake Maps and our tourism guide to help direct you around our community.

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