Act of Censure passed against Chief Carl Horn

03/21/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform the community that the disciplinary measures process regarding the complaint against Chief Carl Horn has been completed.

The investigator appointed in the process, attorney Nicholas Dodd, discussed his final report and recommendations at a duly convened meeting of Chief & Council on Wednesday, 20 Enniskó:wa/ March 2013.

His report found that the statement made by Chief Horn, which was made through email, in reference to a young man who passed away in Kenténha/October 2012, constituted a failure to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of office. The investigator’s report recommended that an Act of Censure be passed against Chief Horn.

A secret ballot was later held and it was unanimously voted that an Act of Censure be passed. Chiefs Kenneth McComber (conflict of interest) and Christine Zachary-Deom (personal leave) did not participate.

The Act of Censure against Chief Horn is in the form of a suspension from his position as a Council Chief for a period of four weeks without pay, effective immediately (up to and including 17, Onerahtókha/April). As part of the Act of Censure, it was also decided that Chief Horn is to formally apologize, in writing, to the complainant and her family for both the statement that he made and for the harm that he personally caused the complainant. It was also the decision of Chief & Council that Chief Horn retract the position that he took in his letter to the editor to the Eastern Door newspaper (dated February 1, 2013) whereby he alleged that he never made a “statement.”

The MCK also wishes to inform the community that, as per section 5.13 of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Disciplinary Measures Regulations (“Regulations”) that Chief Horn must refrain from participating in any official functions and activities and refrain from presenting himself as an elected Chief of the MCK for the duration of his suspension. As per section 5.14 of the Regulations, he is also deemed not to be “in good standing” during the period of his suspension.