Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Swearing In

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne held their official swearing in on Friday, July 9th under COVID-19 restrictions in the open air A'nowara'ko:wa Arena Pavilion. The 2021-2024 Grand Chief and Council was sworn in under cloudy skies, thunder in the background and with a mix of hope and trepidation in the air. Five of the elected district chiefs are new, with seven council members having served in this capacity before.

COVID-19 restrictions required: attendance was limited to two guests per Council member, masks were required, your temperature was taken as well as a record of attendance.

In Grand Chief Abram Benedict's address to community members, elected and re-elected council members he touched upon several issues. He also gave special recognition to the late District Chief Daryl Lazare and to former District Chief Joe Lazore for his years of service and dedication to the community of Akwesasne.

Grand Chief Benedict stated, "Joe Lazore was first elected in 2006... he is a defender of our language and culture".

Benedict also thanked all front-line workers for 'keeping ourselves safe during this pandemic'.

He went on to say, "I am honored and humbled to have been reelected for your grand chief for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to newly elected and reelected members of Council. I will work to advance our collected priorities and to advance in our shared vision".

Benedict also talked about the mandate of Council to work on land claims, land expansion and expansion of our services to off reserve members, 'for too long they have not felt included – we are going to change that'.

'We will continue to strengthen our language preservation and ensure that our youth are proud of this resilience that we have in our community. We will continue to build a stronger community. Our council will continue to lead and grow this community".

He said he always mentions his daughter and always with the thought of 'as council we want to make the community better for our youth.'

"Through this election, we have seen online activity, the use of social media tactics and slander is not who we are as a people. As Onkwehonkwe we must do better, we must demonstrate to our youth that we have care, compassion and to use a good mind. This is what leadership is about'.

Benedict also addressed the 2021-2024 Council, "As your grand chief, I will continue to provide strategic direction to Council. I will embrace your strengths. I will continue to lead by example because that is what expected by leadership. Niawenko:wa".

Grand Chief and council members took their oaths of office by Justice Stephanie Cross.

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne 2021-2024 Council Chiefs:

GRAND CHIEF

Abram Benedict

KAWEHNO:KE

Vanessa Adams

Jackie Benedict

Edward Roundpoint

Vince Thompson

KANA:TAKON

Cindy Francis-Mitchell

Ryan Jacobs

Julie Phillips-Jacobs

Tim Thompson

TSI SNAIHNE

April Adams-Phillips

Sarah Lee Sunday-Diabo

JoAnn Swamp

Dwayne Thomas