Swearing-In of Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Council

By Mahlon Smoke

Ionkwakiohkwaróron – A beautiful July 1st day greeted new and old members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Council members. Everyone was in attendance for the swearing in of Chief Judge Carrie Garrow, Traffic Court Judge Lois Terrance for her 6th term, Tribal Chief Beverly Cook and new to the council, Tribal Sub-Chief Kenneth Jock. The ceremony was held on the lawn of the new tribal building. Supporters, family, and tribal employees watched as each returning and new court and council members took an oath to serve the community with their leadership, guidance, and trust in the community.

Chief Judge Carrie Garrow returns for another term and expressed her gratitude and thanks for her family's support for all they've done. Garrow told the story of her time at Syracuse University as an Indian Law teacher who told her students to look into and study tribal history. Doing so helped them, and herself, understand how tribal law affects the tribe now. It's one of the reasons she loves being a Court Judge and how she uses it to be a good judge: through understanding and preservation of tribal traditions.

Traffic Court Judge Lois Terrance was sworn in next, thanking everyone for believing in her as a Traffic Judge. During her speech Terrance wished for students, especially students, to come and sit in while traffic court is in session. Wishing to share insight and possibly inspire them to take up her position in the future. But for now, she wished for the community to drive safe and stop in to see her, even if they don't have a ticket.

Replacing Sub-Chief Shelly Jacobs is Kenneth Jock. Jock, for the past 30 years, had worked as Environmental Department Director and had just retired this past spring. Jock worked for the community by being a strong advocate for the environment and being a pivotal resource in major environmental lawsuits against GM and Alcoa, who brought more harm than good to the environment and to the people of Akwesasne. Now serving as the SRMT Sub-Chief is just the next step for him. Chief Eric Thompson spoke highly of him, "I can't wait to start working with him. He's smart, dedicated, and all-around good guy."

During his speech Sub-Chief Jock thanked his wife who has been his biggest supporter, his campaign manager, and the one person who helped him get to where he is. He also thanked his daughter for helping in the graphic design portion of the campaign. Along with the rest of council, he hopes to continue to advocate and fight for Akwesasne and all its people.

Along with Sub-Chief Jock incumbent Chief Beverly Cook was sworn in. Despite recent criticism and detractors, Chief Cook made a speech addressing that she will take everything into account and commit to do better. She thanked everyone for their support and allowing her another term in Council. Cook stated she takes everything seriously and wishes to do only her best for this position. Cook swears to continue to advocate for women's reproductive rights, the environment, advocate against child abuse, and so much more for the community she loves.

Chief Cook and Chief Thompson said they will miss Sub-Chief Shelly Jacobs, they have learned a lot from her; from her leadership and how she would handle different situations.

Afterwards, everyone in attendance was served a chicken dinner catered by Three Feathers Café.

Each Council member will have something to learn from one another and from the community. There is a lot to be expected from the new and returning members of council, having learned from those who have come before and those who are soon to come.