AKWESASNE MOHAWK TERRITORY – Through the Akwesasne Election Law (MCR 2005/2006—#192), the Akwesasne Election Appeal Board is responsible for addressing all matters of appeals related to the June 23rd General Election for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Their role is to provide community members with an objective process and to render a decision to any appeals filed in accordance with the Election Law.

The Akwesasne Election Appeal Board is comprised of three individuals that are appointed by the MCA to serve, as well as alternate persons to sit in their place in the event that the appointed person is unable to hear an appeal. They are: Kawehno:ke—Gloria Thompson (Alternate: Lynn Roundpoint-Chaussi), Kana:takon—Judy Cole (Alternate: Kristy Lauzon), and Tsi Snaihne— Andrea Oakes (Alternate: Felicia Jacobs).

The Appeal Board received two appeals in regards to the June 23rd General Election. As a result, a meeting of the Akwesasne Election Appeal Board was held on June 29th to review and consider the appeals.

  Following the review of both appeals and documents that were submitted, the Akwesasne Election Appeal Board has rendered the decision that both appeals lacked merit for the matters to proceed to a hearing.

  Therefore, on July 3rd the Appeal Board, pursuant to the authority conferred by the Akwesasne Election Law, upheld the results of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s General Election of June 23rd, with the successful candidates being:

Grand Chief

Mike Kanantakeron Mitchell

Kawehno:ke District

Brian David, Louise Thompson, JoAnne Jocko and Abram Benedict

Kana:takon District

Larry King, Florence Phillips, Julie Phillips-Jacobs and Steve Thomas

Tsi Snaihne District

April Adams-Phillips, Joseph Lazore, Karen Loran and William (Billy) Sunday

A Swearing-In Ceremony was held on Saturday, July 7th for the successful candidates to receive their oath of office before Akwesasne Justice of the Peace Cecelia Square.