SRMT Holds Inauguration Ceremony

In what was a wonderful ceremony, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe held an inauguration ceremony for newly elected Chief Beverly Cook and re-elected Sub-Chief Shelly Jacobs, as well as Chief Judge Peter J. Herne, Traffic Court Judge Steve Cook, and Traffic Court Judge Lois Terrance. Chief Ron Lafrance Jr. recognized and welcomed those who were newly elected. Chief Lafrance described Sub-Chief Jacobs as analytical, and joked maybe a little too much for him. Chief Lafrance noted he has known Chief Cook most of his life, and mentioned starting off on the Longest Walk with Chief Cook, who drove the bus.

Chief Lafrance said of Chief Cook, “When she drove the bus, all the runners were safe.”

Lafrance continued by citing Chief Cook’s expertise as a healthcare professional, noting that she brings that expertise to council.

Chief Thompson was next to speak and thanked Chief Randy Hart for his service.

Chief Thompson has known Chief Cook her entire life and said “her knowledge as a service provider in Akwesasne on behalf of the medical clinic, is peerless and qualifies her knowledge she brings to tribal council. When a person like Beverly, who is culturally and community minded, steps forward to serve her fellow tribal members, as she is now doing, it shows her deep level of dedication.”

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Chief Brian David spoke of a changing of season, and noted that this change is the way of nature, but also of politics.

“It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Mohawk Council to welcome Chief Beverly Cook and Sub-Chief Shelley Jacobs back to the table,” said Chief David. Chief David joked that he didn’t have a speech prepared, but he had a lot of pictures, which garnered a laugh from the crowd.

After the chiefs spoke, each candidate was brought up and allowed to say some words. Traffic Court Judge Lois Terrance was introduced and said, “I just want to thank you for your vote of confidence, and it really is an honor to be here.”

Traffic Court Judge Steve Cook was next up. Judge Cook’s speech was filled with jokes, but important to note is this is Judge Cook’s 5th elected term, or as he said, “That’s the equivalent of a 15 year sentence with 12 years served.”

Head Judge Peter J. Herne was up next and cited the support he received from other candidates as well as initiatives such as the Healing to Wellness court that even Beverly Cook praised during her election interview. Judge Herne also spoke about the pool of qualified candidates for the position, noting that each candidate for Chief Judge had to have their law degree and be a member of the Bar.

Sub-Chief Shelley Jacobs was next up to speak. Sub-Chief Jacobs recognized the kind words she received by Chiefs Lafrance and Thompson. Sub-Chief Jacobs recognized her family by saying without you, I wouldn’t be here today. Sub-Chief Jacobs mentioned her nephew Morgan, who at the age of nine ran out the door while Sub-Chief Jacobs was on her way to the swearing in ceremony and said, “Honey, make me proud.”

Chief Beverly Cook received a big round of applause when she stepped up to speak. In her speech Chief Cook pledged her commitment to the community and said “I want to express my greetings, respect, and utmost caring thoughts to all of you that are here today.” Chief Cook expressed her commitment to the environment and reinforcing a desire for a larger land base for our children, and that she didn’t want them to struggle for food sources.

“My proposition to everyone here is that we put down those old thoughts that we had, those negative ways of thinking, put them down now, and try to look at the human being next to you as just that: a human being who just wants to have a happy life.” Cook added, “So in closing, I just want to send my deepest respect and love to my mother and my father, the universe and the skyworld, all our relatives that have gone on before us, for everything they fought for so that we have this little bit right here to work with. And that’s all I’d like to say, Niawen.”

It was at this point that Chief Cook received a standing ovation of cheers, and applause. John Thomas and his grandson led a group of singers who honored the newly elected officials with two woman’s dance song recognizing the two women elected to council, and one written by Gesso Thomas, and another by Chief Lafrance’s father, Ron Lafrance Sr.

After the songs, Chief Cook, and Sub-Chief Jacobs greeted community members, until the line for the delicious meal for the community was all but gone and everyone had food. This was truly a fantastic celebration, and we here at Indian Time would like to congratulate all of the newly elected officials and wish them the best of luck in their coming terms.