Decision rendered regarding complaints against Chiefs Deer, Leborgne, Patton

05/06/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform the community that the disciplinary measures process regarding the complaints against Chief Gina Deer, Chief Bobby Patton and Chief Martin Leborgne has been completed.

The investigator appointed in the process, attorney Lysane Cree, discussed her final report and recommendations at a duly convened meeting of Chief & Council earlier today.

Her report found that certain Facebook activities of the three Council Chiefs constituted conduct inconsistent with the responsibilities of their office. The report recommended than an Act of Censure be passed against each of the three Council Chiefs.

Secret ballot voting was later held to determine whether or not the Chiefs would be subject to an Act of Censure. For Chief Patton, Chief & Council voted 5-4 against an Act of Censure. For Chief Leborgne, Chief & Council also voted 5-4 against an Act of Censure. For Chief Deer, Chief & Council voted 5-4 in favor of an Act of Censure.

As per section 5.9 of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Disciplinary Measures Regulations (“Regulations”), an Act of Censure requires the support of seven (7) elected Chiefs of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. As this total was not reached, no Act of censure was passed against Chief Deer.

As per the Regulations, this matter is now considered closed.