AKWESASNE – (Ohiarihkó:wa/July 2, 2026) The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe welcomed back Chief Michael Conners and Sub-Chief Agnes “Sweets” Jacobs for consecutive terms, and newly elected Traffic Court Judge 2 Lillian Benedict Barton at the 2026 Tribal Swearing-In Ceremony hosted at the Ionkwakiohkwaró:ron Tribal Administration Building.
Chief Conners is celebrating his fourth term as Tribal Chief, bringing 15 years of leadership and dedicated service to the community. Chief Conners shared, “It brings me pride to see how far the Tribe has come, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to be part of the Tribe's progress over the next three years. I am focused on continuing to collaborate with the New York State Education Department to build a much-needed St. Regis Mohawk School, advance plans for a new Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club building, and reach a final resolution to the land claim.”
Entering her fourth term as Tribal Sub-Chief, Agnes “Sweets” Jacobs has served Akwesasne with a steadfast dedication to health, education, and the overall well-being of community members. Her dedication to the community is matched only by her devotion to her family. She shared, “As anyone who serves the community will tell you, if you are going to be successful in service, you need support at home first. I have that and I love my family for it.”
First-time Traffic Court Judge, Lillian Benedict Barton, steps into this new role with a commitment to fairness, integrity, and professionalism. She shared, “I am deeply humbled and honored to have been entrusted with the responsibility to serve as your traffic court judge for three years. It is a personal achievement and my commitment to fairness, competency, and service to Akwesasne. I would like to thank the community for their trust and belief in me.”
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe wishes Chief Conners, Sub-Chief Jacobs, and Honorable Traffic Court Judge Benedict Barton on their campaign success and wishes them well on their three-year terms. To stay up-to-date on the Tribe, please visit: www.srmt-nsn.gov
Photo caption: From l-r Sub-Chief Agnes "Sweets" Jacobs, Traffic Court Judge 2 Lillian Benedict Barton, and Chief Michael Conners.