Kawehno:ke District Chief Chaussi Resigns

(March 27, 2019) The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne released a statement on March 26, 2019 informing the community that Kawehno:ke District Chief Dennis Chaussi has resigned from council.

Chaussi told Indian Time, “I will not be held hostage to a petition that is being held over my head. I’m not a puppet. It’s a threat, and if they don’t like what I do or what I say they threaten to use it. This is not good governance. It’s an outdated and antiquated by-election law, and it’s abuse of the system.”

He added, “I did not want to put myself, my family and the community through that situation again. It’s emotionally and mentally draining, not only for me, but for my immediate family. I am moving on.”

In accordance with guidelines set forth in the Akwesasne Election Law and Akwesasne Procedural Regulations, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) will have 90 days to hold a by-election for the vacant Kawehno:ke District Chief position.

In their statement, Mohawk Council thanked Dennis Chaussi for his contributions while in office and extended well wishes to him on all his future endeavors.