NEW MCA COUNCIL TAKES OFFICE

After being postponed and then shortened out of respect for recent deaths in our community, the official swearing-in ceremony for the 2015-2018 Mohawk Council of Akwesasne took place on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at 2:30pm at the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk School on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island).

The Swearing-In started with a proper and well-spoken "Opening Address" by Vaughn Phillips, then true to coincidence, the actual Swearing-In was delayed while the "official documents" were being printed. During this time, Phillips gave an impromptu and entertaining presentation. With official documents printed, the Swearing-In then proceeded in a room filled with hopes and optimism sharing a single common goal of making Akwesasne a better place to live. As returning Chiefs Louise Thompson, Joe Lazore, Tim Thompson, April Adams-Phillips and Steve Thomas stood and read their oath with confidence and experience backing them, the new Chiefs, Vince Thompson, Dennis Chaussi, Ryan Jacobs, Darryl Lazore, Connie Lazore and Troy Thompson, took their turn knowing now – they are at work 24/7. As Sherri Bonaparte stated and what should be remembered is, "You were voted in, and those who were voted in, were the best choice."

Mike Mitchell, after serving Akwesasne as a Chief and Grand for over 15 years was given the opportunity to address the community. Speaking directly to the newly sworn in Council, Mitchell gave practical and constructive advice, encouraging and inspiring Council to work and do the best they can for the people of Akwesasne.

Grand Chief Abram Benedict's acceptance speech gratefully thanked all those closest to him as also being his biggest supporters. He gave thanks to two women who supported him from day one; Theresa Square and Barbara Barnes. He thanked the community for trusting them to lead and promises to lead by example. He gave thanks to the combined 75 plus years of experience and dedication of the outgoing Council, Joanne Jocko, Julie Phillips Jacobs, Brian David, Florence Phillips, Larry King, William Bill Sunday and Mike Mitchell.

Grand Chief Benedict addressed the new council, how each brings to the table their own expertise and experience and how he will draw upon their strengths to lead and to lead by example.

In his campaign Grand Chief Benedict realized how community residents were not always aware of what MCA was doing and sometimes didn't know Council members. Benedict wants to close this information gap by finding alternative ways to engage community members. He also wants to make MCA bylaws reflect the transparency and accountability of Council and MCA itself. In the next three years he will work in identifying our many needs, those that are of top priority, and work to improve on our infrastructure, job creation, language revival and work on solutions from the ground–up.

Grand Chief Benedict stated, "I want to thank the community for trusting us to lead and we will lead by example to make a difference for generations to come."

The 2015-2018 Council Chiefs are:

Grand Chief

Abram Benedict

Kawehno:ke District Chiefs

Louise Thompson

Vince Thompson

Troy Thompson

Dennis Chaussi

Kana:takon District Chiefs

Steve Thomas

Timothy "Dooley" Thompson

Ryan Jacobs

Darryl Lazore

Tsi Snaihne District Chiefs

Karen Loran

Joseph Lazore

April Adams-Phillips

Connie Lazore