Grand Chief Norton recovering from medical procedure, Gina Deer to handle intake and management of GC office

06/17/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to advise the community that Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton is on medical leave and has directed Ietsénhaienhs Gina Deer to handle intake and management of the Office of the Grand Chief on an interim basis.

Grand Chief Norton has undergone a medical procedure. Though he is doing well, the recovery period has not yet been determined.

“I have acted as the Chairperson for the Council in the Grand Chief’s absence in the past,” said Ietsénhaienhs Deer. “I’d like to assure the community that we will continue to handle the needs of the community until Grand Chief Norton returns to the office. We’re all looking forward to his return and wish him well. He told me that the procedure was successful and he’s confident that we’ll see him back in his familiar role very soon.”

Ietsénhaienhs Tonya Perron is expected to continue to chair the Monday Council meetings, as she has done since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March. Since that time the meetings have been conducted via teleconference.