KEPO Director announces resignation, ready for new challenges

06/29/2022

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that Lynn Jacobs, the Director of the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Unit, is resigning her position to pursue new challenges.

Ms. Jacobs began her career as a summer student with KEPO in 1994. She has been a full-time employee for over 20 years, starting as an Environmental Technician focussing on fieldwork, then as a Project Coordinator writing funding proposals and carrying out environmental projects and protection initiatives. In 2018, Ms. Jacobs became the Director of the new Environment Protection Unit. She led the development of the new Unit and helped to grow the team.

“I have seen KEPO through decades of incredible work and growth,” she stated. “I am so fortunate to have had the chance to work in and learn about the natural environments in our territory, restore degraded habitats, and advocate for the protection of our environment for all our relations. I also had the great privilege to bring together an amazing team with a diversity of skills and expertise in science, education, and land-based knowledge.”

“The KEPO team is top-notch and achieving great things,” she added. “It was a really hard decision, but I feel like this is a good time to take the leap and do something new for this next phase in my career. I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to this work in our community.”

MCK Executive Director Onerahtokha Marquis was effusive in her praise. “We must offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the incredible work that Lynn has done over the years. As the environment takes a greater role in everyday life in Kahnawà:ke and far beyond, she has been the leader we’ve needed to tackle the challenges we all must face together. As a dedicated environmentalist Lynn has carried herself with great dignity and integrity. She was, for all intents and purposes, the perfect fit for this era in our environmental history. On behalf of the entire MCK and the community I’d like to say ‘Niawehnkó:wa’ for the long-term commitment she has made and wish you the best on your new career path!”

She will be staying on in her role as Director of Environment Protection for the rest of the summer to assist with the transition once the position has been posted and filled.