New Director named for MCK Lands Unit

02/03/2011

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that Melanie Gilbert has been named as the new Director of the Lands Unit.

Ms. Gilbert replaces Debbie Morris, who was acting as Interim Director since October 2009. She began her career as a summer student in 1993. She has held several positions within the Office of the Council of Chiefs, most recently as Political Lead.

She holds a Bachelor of Political Sciences from Concordia University.

“I look forward to working with the Lands Unit team to to move towards a unique Kahnawà:ke land regime that is completely separate from Indian Affairs,” she said.

“On behalf of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Melanie all the best in her new and challenging position,” said MCK Interim Executive Director Kevin Kennedy. “The Lands Unit is fortunate to have, as their new Director, a person who has a great deal of knowledge and experience in the political realm. Equally as important, she has the personal and professional qualities required to provide direction, build trust and demonstrate leadership.”

“I’d also like to thank Debbie Morris for her contributions for the past year acting in the capacity of the Interim Director of Lands,” he continued. “It was very much appreciated.”

Ms. Gilbert officially begins her new duties on Monday, 7 Enníska/February.