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Tribe Continues Offering Heating Unit Service Vouchers for Elders

AKWESASNE – For the third year, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe is making $100 vouchers available to help tribal elders with cleaning or servicing their heating units. During the past several weeks, the Tribe’s Compliance Department has mailed letters and vouchers to elders notifying them of their eligibility for the Heating Unit Cleaning and Service Assistance Pilot Program.

“We are pleased to continue hearing all the positive responses about the success of this important pilot program,” said Tribal Chief Beverly Cook. She added, “Helping our elders has always been a priority and we continue to support measures that ensure their own personal health and safety.”

The Heating Unit Cleaning and Service Assistance Pilot Program is available for tribal elders 65-years old or older who reside in the southern portion of Akwesasne, or within the 15-mile radius of the Tribe in the United States. Seniors who received the $100 voucher in previous years were automatically eligible to receive the assistance this year.

“This pilot project was implemented to help our elders avoid emergency situations or expensive repairs by taking a proactive approach in preparing for the upcoming heating season,” said Tribal Chief Eric Thompson. “Without this yearly cleaning and inspection, a heating system can wear itself out quickly, pump deadly carbon monoxide into your home, or simply stop working.”

The $100 voucher is effective from Seskehkó:wa/September 2018 to Tsiothóhrha/December 24, 2018; is nontransferable and can only be redeemed at approved heating vendors. Please contact the Compliance Department at (518) 358-2272 to verify the eligibility of a vendor.

“Tribal Council is proud to make this service available through a partnership with tribally licensed tobacco business owners belonging to the Akwesasne Convenience Store Association,” stated Tribal Chief Michael Conners. He noted, “With their financial assistance, we are able to help more than 230 of our elders to be better prepared for the winter months.”

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People. ­