New Director of Social Services Selected

Dec 13, 2012

Former Program Manager of the Three Sisters Program

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has selected Amber Montour as its new Director of Social Services. Ms. Montour previously served as the Interim Director of the Social Services Division and was formerly the Program Manager of the Three Sisters Program. In that capacity, she directed the operation of Domestic Violence Services, Sexual Assault Advocacy and Education, the Supervised Visitation Center and the Safe Home.

Her new job duties include overseeing both the tribe’s Department of Disability Services and the Department of Social Services. “I’m happy to accept the responsibilities and challenges of this new position,” she remarked. “We’ve got a good team in this division and I’m familiarizing myself with each program and its staff.” Ms. Montour began her duties on November 21, 2012.

“We are pleased we have somebody as talented as Amber to fill this position,” said Tribal Chief Randy Hart. “We have every confidence that she is going to be a success.” The tribe’s Social Services Division contains 20 different programs and provides services to approximately 102 people. Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance noted, “Amber’s background and experience are a great fit as Director of Social Services. It’s important for the tribe to provide the best services to the community in the most efficient way.”

Montour is also a member of the New York State Coalition against Domestic Violence and the Coordinator of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Sexual Assault Response & Resource Team. She implemented all areas of the Federal and State grants including budgeting and project planning and provided education to multi-disciplinary professionals on cutting-edge issues pertaining to domestic violence. Her focus was on examining issues relevant to children exposed to domestic violence, resilience, culture, and educating the community on issues related to violence against women. A member of the Kanienkehaka Kanonsesne, Montour is dedicated to reclaiming the basic human rights of Native women, children and families. “Since the Three Sisters Program is part of the Social Services Division, I will still be able to maintain my commitment to the prevention of violence,” she added. She collaborated with nationally recognized tribal leaders and role models on the publication, Violence against Native Women: A Guide for Practitioner Action.

“Amber has demonstrated the leadership traits that this position needs,” observed Paul Thompson, Tribal Chief. “Her achievements as the Program Manager of the Three Sisters Program will contribute to her future success.”

Ms. Montour received her B.A. in International Studies from the University of Denver in 2002. She studied in the International Human Rights Master’s Program at the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver. She sits under the Deer Clan within the territory of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. She is married to her husband Thanaokate, and they have a daughter, Ienonkwahawis 10 years old and a son Tharonhianente, two years old.

For more information contact the Public Information Office at 518-358-2272.

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