MCK announces major staffing changes

11/02/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced today a pair of changes to its management structure.

Winona Polson-Lahache has been appointed as the Chief Political Advisor to the Office of the Council of Chiefs. She replaces Mike O’Brien, who did not pursue re-appointment to his position as Chief of Staff for the 2015-2018 term. The Office of the Council of Chiefs (OCC) is the MCK’s political support body.
 
Mr. O’Brien will now focus his efforts on the development of the new Kahnawà:ke Labor Office after being selected as the successful candidate for the position of Director on a full-time basis.
 
The changes are effective as of today. A two-month period has been implemented to ensure a smooth transition.
 
“Mike is a great asset to the MCK,” said MCK Executive Director Alana Goodleaf-Rice. “Although I am disappointed that he’s leaving the OCC after seven years-plus, we couldn’t ask for a better person to set up and administer the Labor Office.”

“Chief & Council are very pleased with Winona’s appointment,” said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “She is politically knowledgeable at every level. She is a former Council Chief at Long Point First Nation at Winneway and she’s shown no fear of tackling the toughest files in her three years at the MCK.”