Benjamin "Benny" Herne is serving his third consecutive term as an elected member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, representing the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in Akwesasne, New York. Throughout his tenure, he has remained committed to advancing the Tribe through strong governance, economic development, housing initiatives, and strategic partnerships that improve the quality of life for community members.
As a member of Tribal leadership, Herne serves as the Tribal Council Ex-Officio representative to the Akwesasne Housing Authority (TDHE), where he supports initiatives focused on expanding housing opportunities and strengthening community infrastructure. He is also a former Board Director of the Mohawk Indian Housing Corporation, where he contributed to the organization's mission of increasing affordable housing opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Beyond his elected role, Herne currently serves as a Board Director for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Franklin County and as a member of the Advisory Panel for North Country Community College, reflecting his commitment to education, workforce development, and regional collaboration. He previously served as Chairman of Tewathahonni, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Section 17 Corporation, where he helped guide business development and economic initiatives designed to strengthen the Tribe's long-term financial sustainability.
Herne has been an advocate for tribal sovereignty, economic diversification, housing, and government-to-government relations. His leadership has extended beyond Akwesasne through appointments and participation on regional and national initiatives addressing Indigenous housing and community development. He continues to work collaboratively with Tribal leadership, federal agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations to create opportunities that benefit both current and future generations.
A lifelong resident of Akwesasne, Benjamin Herne is known for his collaborative leadership style, dedication to public service, and belief that strong partnerships and effective communication are essential to building healthy, resilient Indigenous communities.
- Tribal Sub-Chief July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021
- Tribal Sub-Chief July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024
- Tribal Sub-Chief July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027