Abram Benedict Wraps Up MCA Grand Chief Role to Step into Chiefs of Ontario

Six Nations of the Grand River – The Chiefs of Ontario offers our sincere congratulations following the Chiefs-in-Assembly's election of Abram Benedict to the Office of the Ontario Regional Chief during the 49th Annual Chiefs Assembly, hosted by Six Nations of the Grand River and the Chiefs of Ontario.

Grand Chief Abram Benedict was elected to the Office of the Ontario Regional Chief with fifty (50) votes after four (4) rounds of voting were conducted on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Benedict is currently serving the remainder of his term as Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

Five (5) candidates ran for the position of Ontario Regional Chief (ORC), with 98 electors present to vote via traditional stand-up electoral processes. Benedict ran for Ontario Regional Chief on a platform rooted in the importance of building relationships with the federal and provincial governments while advocating for First Nations sovereignty.

"It is of the greatest pleasure to be elected Ontario Regional Chief," said newly elected ORC Abram Benedict. "I thank everyone for their support as I transition into the role and look forward to continuing the good work on numerous key First Nations' priorities. I look forward to serving each of the 133 Chiefs in the region as we work together to ensure that our Nations not only survive but thrive as well."

"We have much work to do, and I plan to embrace the Chiefs of Ontario office as we move forward in our advocacy efforts with the governments of Ontario and Canada. Advocacy is an extremely important piece as we move forward on our key initiatives, such as the carbon tax, Bill C-53, climate adaptation, response, and prevention. While the conversations will certainly not be easy ones, I will ensure that First Nations voices and stories are heard in Queen's Park and on Parliament Hill."

Benedict stated, "Last week, the Chiefs in Ontario selected me to serve as the Ontario Regional Chief for the next three years. The selection process was an honorable experience. I would not have been considered for the position without my nominators, Chief Shelly More-Frappier and Chief Yvette Matansinine. Nia:wen/Migwetch to these two strong leaders who never hesitate to prop me up and support me."

Other candidates were Travis Boissoneau, Dean Sayers, and Chief Rudy Turtle. Benedict said it was a pleasure to have 'stood beside others who want to support our communities and see prosperity.'

Looking forward, Benedict said he will ensure 'the next Grand Chief in Akwesasne has all the information needed to pick up and do the job they've been elected to do.'

While Benedict is an official Ontario Regional Chief, he will be carrying out two sets of responsibilities for the next few weeks.

Benedict expressed his gratitude, saying, "Nia:wen/Migwetch to all Chiefs in Ontario for the honor of being selected as the Ontario Regional Chief. Nia:wen for all the messages of support and congratulations over the last few days; all messages have expressed encouragement and happiness. Finally, I express my greatest gratitude to my family for their continued support and for allowing me to continue to serve our people across Turtle Island; without my family, I would not be where I am today."