Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Special Election 'Unofficial Results'

On Saturday, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe released their unofficial results of the SRMT Special Election. With a final count of 493 votes for Ron Lafrance Jr and 298 votes for Eric Thompson, with 195 votes less.

Appeals must be made within five business days of the election.

Chief Beverly Cook thanked former Chief Eric Thompson in a Facebook post and gave permission to share it with Indian Time readers.

SRMT Chief Cook wrote, "Now that the elections have finally come to a close, I'd like to take this opportunity to say, publicly, Niawen:kowa to you Eric Thompson for your 9 years of service to the people of Akwesasne. You survived one of the most high stress jobs that sometimes takes us to the breaking point and still managed to accomplish great things that will continue to grow and bring pride to our community and to you and your family.

Former chiefs and community leaders are always a necessary component of the formula for success. You and former Chief Paul Thompson for example will always be remembered for your actions that brought additional resources to the Akwesasne Freedom School and your initiative to create a working farm that would fulfill our vision of food sovereignty for Akwesasne. Along with the other farms and gardens in the community we know we are secure in that regard. In response to concerns raised about border crossing rights, you initiated the Northern Border Alliance that has grown to be a national movement across Indian country to stand for our rights on the border. Akwesasne TV was also one of your initiatives and our soon to be Legal Aid service for Akwesasne that you've long advocated for will soon open.

This Tribal Council exercised our sovereignty through the patent initiative, and we are now in a position to grow our scholarship program, to further support the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club, dismantle abandoned homes and fulfill your dream of an amphitheater for our community to display their talent and appreciate performing arts.

I'd also like to thank you for your support of my efforts to bring trauma informed responsiveness and resilience building to our community that is needed now more than ever. All of our Tribal Council Chiefs and Sub-Chiefs have their initiatives and interests that they continually advocate for as we work our way through all the community needs. I'm proud of each and every one on this Council for our unwavering commitment and dedication to the people and our environment. None of our accomplishments are solely ours to claim though, knowing that our Tribal Council staff, Tribal programs, division directors, program managers, staff and Executive Office leadership make the magic happen. Someone has to give voice to the dream. Niawen once again for that."

Ron Lafrance is expected to be sworn in on Friday, July 13, 2021.

After the votes were tallied, Lafrance stated, "I want to thank everyone who took time out of the busy schedules to come out and vote. You have exercised your power to create change and I appreciate everyone that came out and supported me this year. Nia:wen!"

Eric Thompson expressed his thanks to the community of Akwesasne, stating, " I'd like to thank everyone who came out and voted and those who supported me over my three terms in office and to congratulate Ron on his win in the special election. It has been an honor and privilege for me to represent Akwesasne during these last nine years. I'm satisfied and proud of the work I've done on behalf of the community, knowing I've always given it my best and also always doing my best, to use a good mind in doing so.