Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

By Derrick Lafrance

Dedicated workers for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne were acknowledged for years of service. The ceremony was held last Friday, June 29 at the Tsi Snaihne Recreation Centre.

Seventy-two employees received their due including ten retirees. There was also a Special Recognition award handed out for one of the workers who has dedicated his life to the environment and is now leaving.

Henry Lickers has been with local environmental departments since 1976. His numerous awards and accomplishments were highlighted and his co-workers talked of his dedication to nature. Peggy Pyke-Thompson said Lickers has done so much over the years for the environment, and he always kept his native heritage in mind.

"I would like to acknowledge Henry for all the work that he has done in Akwesasne and all the environment programs he has worked on including a study of contamination of the water and environment health. Everything he has done he has managed to maintain our cultural significance of the environment," said Pyke.

Pyke said he is leaving the organization and wished him well and thanked him for his service and commitment to the people and the environment.

Lickers said he was glad he worked with everyone and said Akwesasne people rank up there at the top of all the people he has met during his many travels.

"I'd like to say I am very proud and very pleased looking around the room to see the people I have worked with over the years. There is not one of you that I don't consider a friend. You are the best, all the other reserves I had travelled to and worked I always think of you. Thank you and I'd been honored to work for you," he said.

Tsi Snaihne District Chief Tobi Mitchell wished the retirees well and thanked them for their many years of service. She said they, as well as many other MCA employees, have put up with stress and frustration, but in the end, it made Akwesasne the better for it.

A video was shown with words of thanks from absent Council mixed in with well wishes from co-workers of those who have retired.

Aaron Terrance was the Master of Ceremonies of the event and Scott Peters did the Ohenton Karihwatehkwen.

RETIREES

Rosemary Seymour

Candace Two Bulls

Brian W. David

Gerald Thompson

Janice Sharrow

Janet Tatro

Vincenette Cook

Denise Collins

Ester David

Shirley Philips

10 YEARS

Kaylin Adams

Tony Benedict

Michael Biron

Jason David

Andrew Francis

Peter Francis Jr.

Vickie Horne

Theresa Jacobs

Shannon Lazore

Vincent Lazore

Sean Leonard

Collette MacDonald

Mandy MacDonald

Sheila McGillivary

Joseph Peters

Corey Thomas

Jon Square

15 YEARS

Katrina Armstrong

Inez Cook

Thomas Debo

Lorna Francis

Melissa Jacobs-Swamp

Belinda Koostachin

Derrick Lafrance

Kristy Lauzon

Denise Mitchell

Philip Mitchell

Ramona O'Brien

Margaret Pyke-Thompson

20 YEARS

Nola Benedict

Gary Cole

Melissa Rae-Cook

Daryl Diabo

Teresa Doxtator-David

Christine Francis

Lori Laffin

Danielle Oakes

Della Adams

Dave Oakes

Sarah Peters

Wendy Sunday

Patrick Swenson

Wanda Thompson

25 YEARS

Patricia Boots

Dinah David

Richard Fornier

Thomas Herne

Nicky King

Robin Lazore

Eileen Montour

James Papineau

Deborah Porter

Rena Smoke

Environment Division with Dr. Henry Lickers. Back L-R: Dillon Point, Donna Roundpoint, Scott Peters, Curtis Lazore and Heather Philips. Front: Peggy Pyke-Thompson, Henry Lickers and Kylee Tarbell, MCA Communications. Photo: MCA Communications Unit.

Sandra Thompson

30 YEARS

Caroline Lafrance

Cindy Lazore

Kerri Mitchell

Donna Roundpoint

Michelle Adams-Laffin

Veronica Thompson

40 YEARS

Johnathan Caldwell