I am voting for Beverly Cook. Here's why:

I am voting for Beverly Cook. Here’s why:

Beverly is my cousin. Her special talent is her deep capacity to care for the people, to truly love and engage in clear thinking for our Mohawk people and beloved community.

Beverly is a long-time fighter for our people’s rights and is a mountain of knowledge. Beverly’s leadership power comes from within: strong heart, strong mind, strong experience. We need her ability to clearly see right from wrong, and her capacity to treat all people respectfully, graciously, and compassionately.

I love our ancient Onkwehonwe ways. I resonate in our ceremonies and Longhouse culture. I am a lifelong advocate of the application of Indigenous knowledge to strengthen our women and families. I also respect our tribal government. 

I consider the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe our secular government, where members of every religious persuasion, color and orientation can find representation and well-administered services. Where over 500 Mohawk women and men do the hard work of delivering community services—elder and youth care, public safety, education, an excellent health clinic. Where clean water is guaranteed out of our faucets by Mohawk professionals – even as the rivers around us are polluted. It’s not a perfect secular government, by any means, but it is run by Mohawks for Mohawks. With Beverly in the elder leadership position on Tribal Council, the increased unity and purpose is apparent.

After two decades of relative peace and prosperity in our community, we need wise and mature leadership more than ever. Public health issues loom large. Our young people and economies face many challenges. We must be prepared, short and long term. Unity is absolutely critical.

Let’s not be fooled by entertainers and other sharp-tongued critics who insult the integrity of honest Mohawk women and tribal employees with nasty accusations posed as questions. We are one people.

I’m voting for our children and their children. I’m voting for a healthy and prosperous community. I’m speaking up and voting for Beverly Cook for Tribal Chief.  

Skennen,

Katsi Cook

Akwesasne