Joseph Tokwiroh Norton named new Kahnawake grand chief

Many Kahnawake residents will recognize the man newly elected as grand chief.

After all, Joseph TokwirohNorton led the Mohawk community for 26 years until his 2004 retirement.

He was chief during the 1990 Oka Crisis and is the originator of the controversial law banning mixed native and non-native couples from living on reserve.

Norton beat incumbent Mike Delisle, who had served as grand chief of Kahnawake since Norton's retirement.

The new grand chief won this past weekend's vote with 488 votes, while Delisle received 397.

CandidatesLloyd Phillips and KeithMyiowreceived 356 and85 votes, respectively.

The electionsaw the following people named as council chiefs:Kahsennehawe Sky-Deer, Carl Horn,Clinton Phillips,Kenneth McComber, Gina Deer,Martin Leborgne,Robert Patton Jr.,Christine Zachary-Deom, William (Billy) Diabo,Arlene Jacobs andRhonda Kirby.

The newly elected officials officially stepped into their three-year mandates onJune 22.