MCA celebrates commitment, dedication of long-term service employees

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is proud to continue celebrating the dedication, commitment and hard work of its employees. To show its appreciation, each year the MCA holds a reception and ceremony to formally recognize employees who have reached a milestone anniversary year in his or her employment.

At this year’s event, held on May 27th at the St. Regis Recreation Center, one employee was recognized for 35 years of service; two were recognized for 25 years; and several more were recognized for 20 years, 15 years and 10 years of service.

“The long service people deserve our appreciation and respect because they paved the way for many of us who, today, enjoy good employment benefits and security,” said Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell. “We honor the sacrifices they made by returning home to work for their community at a time when the work environment was less than favorable for Native employees. We salute their commitment to their community.”

Each employee was called on to receive a certificate of appreciation, as well as other tokens of appreciation. Supervisors and managers attended the event with their honored staff members and presented the gifts and certificates.

MCA Executive Director Sheree Bonaparte said, “Niawen:kowa to all of our employees for your years of generous service to our community. The time passes quickly when you are working with good people and for good people. I extend to you the gratitude of your peers and your clients. Without your hard work MCA would not be the strong organization it is today. We have a brighter future because of work you have done and continue to do, Nia:wen.”

The event’s guest speaker was Mr. Henry Lickers, who was also (by coincidence) the employee recognized for 35 years with MCA. The former director for the Department of Environment Mr. Lickers spoke of how much MCA has grown and changed since the late 1970s, offering humorous anecdotes and details of his early years on staff, when he had to use a typewriter and rollout photocopier.

Special plaques were also presented to the families of two MCA employees who passed away this year: Mary Lou Phillips and Jake Swamp. Both were invaluable members of the MCA team and their absence continues to be felt by the organization and especially by their colleagues. The late Salli M.K. Benedict, who passed away very recently, will be honored at next year’s ceremony.

In addition to recognizing long-term employment, the annual ceremony also honors one MCA department per year. This year, the Finance Department staff was thanked for all the work they do and their importance to MCA’s operation.

The following staff members were recognized for long-term service:

35 years:

Henry Lickers

25 years:

Leona Barnes

Gerald Thompson

20 years:

Kenny Oakes

Keith Mitchell

Jerel Swamp

Louise Thompson

Donna Benedict

Sandra Benedict

Leah Tarbell

Veronica Thompson

15 years:

Martha LaFrance

Diane King

Marion Lazore

Kyle Lazore

Lesley George

Donna Ransom

Gorman Jacobs

Margaret George

Mark Terrance

10 years:

Aronienens Porter

Shelby Adams

Beatrice King

Kent Hamilton

Rachel Roundpoint

Katherine Lazore

Gary Cole

Ivan Thompson