AKWESASNE — (Kenténha/October 16, 2026) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe proudly announces the renaming of its Tribal Court in honor of the late Peter “PJ” Herne, a respected community advocate, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and former Chief Judge of the Tribal Court. PJ, whose dedicated service and leadership left a lasting impact on Akwesasne, passed away on August 10, 2026.
PJ Herne was celebrated for his unwavering kindness, compassion, and commitment to ensuring the voices of Akwesasro:non were heard in the legal system. As a primary contributor to the legal aid pilot project, he worked tirelessly to provide free legal services to those in need within the community.
“Today, we are recognizing and honoring the life, service, and legacy of Peter ‘PJ’ Herne, a devoted advocate for Akwesasne whose contributions to our community have left a lasting impact,” said Jill Benedict, Executive Director of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. “These actions reflect our gratitude for PJ's service and our commitment to preserving his legacy.”
In a statement from the Tribal Council, they expressed, “The renaming of the Tribal Court to honor PJ Herne is a tribute not only to his dedication to Akwesasne but also to the values of justice and compassion he stood for. We strive to continue his work in ensuring that every member of our community has access to fair representation and support.”
The newly named PJ Herne Memorial Courtroom will serve as a beacon of justice, fairness, and community service, values that PJ embodied throughout his career. In addition to the renaming of the court, the Tribe will also be establishing the PJ Herne Memorial Scholarship, aimed at supporting Tribal members in their pursuit of legal education and careers in law. This scholarship will empower future advocates, attorneys, judges, and leaders to uphold the commitment to justice demonstrated by PJ.
“Through the courtroom that bears his name and the scholarship that will help educate future generations, PJ’s impact on Akwesasne will continue for many years to come,” added Benedict.
The renaming of the Tribal Courtroom and the establishment of the PJ Herne Memorial Scholarship are crucial steps in honoring PJ’s legacy and ensuring that his dedication to serving the community inspires the next generation on their future endeavors. His leadership and dedication to the Akwesasne community will always be cherished and remembered.