The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is deeply saddened and wishes to offer its condolences to the family and friends of Frank Marquis, who passed on to the spirit world on May 24, 2026, at the age of 95. He leaves behind a loving family including seven children, 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Marquis served his community as a Council Chief in Kahnawà:ke for two terms, from 1964-1966 and 1966-1968. He also volunteered as a Firefighter and worked as a union ironworker before undertaking the role of caretaker in Tioweró:ton, where he served for 22 years while raising his family.
“Tioweró:ton, years ago was a place where the older generation went and it was the way to live with nature — there was hunting, fishing, blueberry picking, and an old way of life. He brought that,” said Peter Marquis, son of the late Frank Marquis.
Many Kahnawa’kehró:non remember Frank for his dedication as a caretaker living in Tioweró:ton with his family from 1966 until the late 1980s. Peter shared that he believes his father’s time with the MCK led to his connection to the caretaker role.
“Frank has dedicated his life to our community — from his time on Council and his caretaking role in Tioweró:ton,” said Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “We thank him for his leadership, service and dedication and offer our deepest condolences to his family.”
“Frank Marquis is responsible for taking care of Tioweró:ton in the early days, including managing the population, the vehicles, and the at gun-point stoppage of the initial attempts by the province of Quebec to pave the part of the road going through the territory,” said Ratsénhaienhs David Diabo. “All the good things about Tioweró:ton were safe guarded by his dedication and perseverance, not to mention the sacrifices he made for his community,” Diabo added.
His son, Peter, also highlighted the contributions his father made to both Kahnawà:ke and Tioweró:ton, noting that he was often a point of contact for community members seeking help and guidance.
“He gave back. His kids could still give you the memories of how it used to be [with him],” Peter added.
In this difficult time, the MCK offers its deepest sympathies to the Marquis family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family welcomes relatives and friends to visit at the Royal Canadian Legion Mohawk Branch 219 in Kahnawà:ke, where a ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 28th, at 2pm.
