Mohawk Council of Kahnawake won’t name an interim Grand Chief

No interim Grand Chief will be designated for remainder of the 2018-2021 term, announced the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK). The decision was taken during a council meeting on September 1st, where a consensus was reached on this matter.   In the wake of Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton’s passing on August 14, the Mohawk Council of Chiefs decided to “work collectively to ensure the needs of the community are met”. To facilitate an open and full understanding of the approach, the Council of Chiefs will be engaging in several public relations activities with members of the community. Since Mr. Norton passed away less than a year before the end of the current term, as per the Kahnawakà:ke Election Law, no by-election has to take place. As a sign of respect, Joe Norton’s photo will remain in the MCK’s main lobby and on the Kahnawake’s website, with indications that he will not be replaced for the rest of the term. Tonya Perron will continue to act as Chairperson for the weekly council meetings, as she has since the beginning of the pandemic. Discussions will take place to fulfill roles that were occupied by the Grand Chief, which includes the lead of Intergovernmental Relations Portfolio and Border Crossing File.