Tribe Conducts Swearing-In Ceremony
Jul 3, 2012
Paul Thompson, Eric Thompson and Corleen Jackson-Jacco Sworn In
Tribal Judge Peter J. Herne swore in Tribal Chief Paul Thompson, Tribal Sub-Chief Eric Thompson and re-elected Tribal Clerk Corleen Jackson-Jacco. Paul Thompson and Eric Thompson are the two newest members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council. The tribe held its tented ceremony behind the Tribal Community Building beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 1, 2012. Tribal officials from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Chief Brian David of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne were on hand for the ceremony and provided words of welcome to the approximately 250 community members attending the event. A traditional-style communal luncheon followed the swearing-in ceremony.
Newly elected Tribal Chief Paul Thompson has spent his career working in Akwesasne in small businesses, construction and gaming. Earlier, he served two terms as a Chief between 1996 and 2003. In his remarks, Tribal Chief Thompson stated, “Even though the earlier generations are gone, the challenge is still the same. Do the best we can with what we have. Make our community the greatest that we can make it.” Chief Thompson thanked his family and supporters for their help in his campaign and election to Tribal Council.
Sub-Chief Eric Thompson has worked with various Akwesasne organizations and served as a consultant in the private sector to local businesses and government departments. Sub-Chief Eric Thompson noted, “I am very surprised at the turnout today, for people to come out on such a nice day and take their time on the weekend was great. I’m grateful for that support and for the voter turn-out.” Sub-Chief Thompson also expressed his appreciation to his family and supporters who supported him in his election bid.
Akwesasne voters re-elected Tribal Clerk Corleen Jackson-Jacco to a third term. She was elected to a partial term in 2008, was re-elected for full terms in 2009 and again in 2012. She had served as Deputy Tribal Clerk in 2003.
Chief Paul Thompson and Sub-Chief Eric Thompson join the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council along with Chiefs Ron LaFrance and Randy Hart and Sub-Chiefs Michael Conners and Shelley Jacobs.
For more infomation contact David T. Staddon, Director of Public Information at 518-358-2272 ext. 286.
