That the Mohawk Nation of Grand River is, and has at all material times been, a distinct political and legal entity, possessed of governing authority within its territory, and that such authority is neither derived from nor dependent upon the laws or institutions of any external government.
The instrument
Gazette No. 6 — Declaration of Governing Authority
28 March 2026
Gazette No.: GZT001-260203-000006
Register Entry No.: REG001-050300-000006
Tracking Code: AG1201-050000-000006 Status: Perfected / Entered / Fully Effected / Registered and Published
Category / Class: Category 02 — Sovereign, Foreign & Legislative · Class 03 — Declaration
INSTRUMENT OF DECLARATION
Governing Authority — Mohawk Nation of Grand River
Be it known to all whom it may concern:
That the Mohawk Nation of Grand River is, and has at all material times been, a distinct political and legal entity, possessed of governing authority within its territory, and that such authority is neither derived from nor dependent upon the laws or institutions of any external government.
This Declaration records and affirms governing authority that has been in continuous exercise. The Secretariat’s programs — including vehicle registry, driver identification, resident identification, insurance, environmental stewardship, housing, and location determination — are the concrete expression of that authority, not its assertion for the first time.
I. CONTINUITY OF AUTHORITY
The governing authority of the Mohawk Nation of Grand River arises from:
(i) The inherent political existence of the Mohawk Nation as a people organized under its own laws, customs, and institutions, which existence predates and is independent of any colonial instrument;
(ii) The alliance and covenant relationship established between the Mohawk Nation and the British Crown, evidenced by continuous diplomatic relations and confirmed in formal instruments;
(iii) The acquisition, setting apart, and confirmation of the Grand River Territory for the use of the Mohawk Nation and its posterity, as established by the instruments of 1779, 1784, and 1791;
(iv) The unbroken continuity of the Mohawk people as the beneficiaries of that territory and the governing authority attached thereto.
This authority has not been extinguished, surrendered, or lawfully displaced.
II. NATURE OF GOVERNING AUTHORITY
The governing authority includes, without limitation:
(i) Authority over the administration, regulation, and governance of its territory and the affairs of its people within that territory;
(ii) Authority to establish and maintain institutions of record, law, and administration, including the Secretariat and the Register of the Nation;
(iii) Authority to issue and administer identification instruments, vehicle registries, insurance programs, housing initiatives, location determination rules, and other operational programs within the Territory;
(iv) Authority to issue instruments, notices, and declarations constituting formal notice to external parties and binding within its jurisdiction;
(v) Authority to enter into, maintain, and enforce relations arising from covenant and treaty with the Crown.
III. EFFECT OF DECLARATION
This Declaration does not create the governing authority herein described, but records and affirms its existence. All external authorities are hereby placed on notice that their acts within the Grand River Territory are subject to the prior and continuing governing authority of the Mohawk Nation of Grand River.
EXECUTION
Executed under the authority of the Secretariat of the Mohawk Nation of Grand River.
Secretary-General
Date
CERTIFICATION OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL
I certify that this instrument has been duly received, examined, and entered in the Register of the Nation of the Mohawk Nation of Grand River Secretariat.
Gazette No.: GZT001-260203-000006
Register Entry No.: REG001-050300-000006
Registrar General
Date of Registration
This instrument forms part of the permanent record of the Secretariat.
Mohawk Nation of Grand River · Grand River Territory
