MCK passes Act of Censure against Chief in regard to community meeting conduct

05/15/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is informing Kahnawa’kehró:non of the outcome of two complaints brought by a community member against Chief Christine Zachary-Deom and Chief Gina Deer respectively.  The complaints were made on April 10, 2015 and concerned events that took place at the Winter Community Meeting held on March 10, 2015. 

In accordance with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Disciplinary Measures, the complaint process was initiated. Maître Rish Handa was selected as the Investigator for these complaints.

Upon receipt of Maître Handa’s Investigation Report, Chief and Council discussed and deliberated on the allegations. In a secret ballot vote held during a duly convened meeting of eight (8) Chiefs on May 13, 2015, it was unanimously voted that Chief Christine Zachary-Deom receive the following Act of Censure:

“It was determined that you have committed professional misconduct for your overly aggressive manner and actions at the meeting of March 10th, 2015. These actions are not in line with the expectations for conduct of a Council Chief. While we are well aware of the difficulties involved in remaining calm and respectful during heated debates at community meetings, your conduct has been inconsistent with the responsibilities of the office. An apology for these actions needs to be issued to the community.”

It is the decision of Chief and Council that Chief Zachary-Deom provides this apology to the community within one week of receipt of the Act of Censure. Additionally, this Act of Censure will be submitted to her file and will be considered in any other disciplinary action throughout her time as a Council Chief.

At that time, Chief and Council also voted unanimously that no Act of Censure was warranted against Chief Deer in this matter.