MCK announces 2015-2018 Portfolio assignments

09/09/2015

“The portfolio distribution was streamlined somewhat in order to improve efficiency and accountability,” said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “While it may seem like there are less portfolios, that’s not really the case. We expect there will be a period of adjustment, as there is whenever changes are made to the way you do things. For the most part, the Chiefs are retaining many of the same responsibilities as the previous term, so that will help in the transition.”

For example, in the Intergovernmental Portfolio, the Grand Chief leads all roundtable negotiations or discussions on specific areas that require intervention with either Canada or Quebec, while the Chiefs dealing with the three main areas currently underway are now called “Portfolio Leads.” They are Rhonda Kirby (Quebec/Kahnawà:ke Relations), Clinton Phillips (Kahnawà:ke/Canada Relations) and Christine Zachary-Deom (Seigneury of Sault St. Louis).

The final list will be released shortly, as there were some minor adjustments made when the portfolio assignments were formalized yesterday (Tuesday) at the weekly Council meeting. One of the changes includes the creation of the Community Social and Education Affairs portfolio.

“While Rhonda Kirby is the Portfolio Chief, Bobby Patton has been given the ‘Special File Assignment’ as Education Liaison and actually reports to Chief Kirby on these matters,” explained Grand Chief Norton. “In this case, there is no longer an Education Portfolio Chief, per se.  Rhonda isn’t his ‘boss,’ but the chain of information is what is most important. As overall Portfolio Chief, she’ll have all of the pertinent information at hand and can then report to the Council table more efficiently. That’s the plan.”  

Another example of a new portfolio is that of ‘Heritage,’ which will provide oversight and guidance for areas related to history, traditions, language and culture. In this case, Kenneth McComber has the role of Lead Portfolio Chief, with Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer also a Portfolio Chief. They will work together with Kenneth being responsible to keep the various aspects coordinated with as little overlap as possible.

A tentative (unofficial) list can be viewed by clicking here.