Tom Morris retires from MCK after almost forty years of service

01/17/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform Kahnawa’kehró:non that Tom Morris is retiring today after nearly forty years of service to the community.

He began his career in 1975 as a community resource worker.  From 1976 to 1995 he held positions such as Band Manager, Executive Director and Operations Manager. From 1995 onward he retained various management positions, culminating in the position of Associate Director for Special Projects and Client-Based Services that he held until his retirement.

“Although I am very happy for Tom as he experiences the freedom of retirement, which will enable him to focus on his well-being and spend quality time with his family, I am also very sad to see him leave the MCK family,” said Executive Director Alana Goodleaf-Rice. “He was a pioneer in the evolution of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke from a ‘Band Council under the authority of the Indian Agent’ to an autonomously self-managed organization that tends to the needs of the community without the dictatorial oversight of Indian Affairs.”

Mr. Morris has worked with 19 different administrations and four Grand Chiefs over the years. He is the second-longest serving employee of the MCK, surpassed only by Kenneth Diabo of the Social Development Unit.

“On behalf of the entire MCK family and the community, I’d like to say ‘Niawen’kó:wa’ for the exemplary dedication and service,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr.  “We extend our best wishes to Tom.”