KANA:TAKON DISTRICT CHIEF TIM “DOOLEY” THOMPSON RETIRES
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is informing the community that effective July 26, 2024, Tim “Dooley” Thompson will be retiring from his position as Kana:takon District Chief.
Chief Thompson served the community of Akwesasne for seven terms as a District Chief and one term as Grand Chief for the MCA. His dedicated service is reflected in the following terms:
- 1986-1988
- 1988-1991
- 1997-2000
- 2000-2002 (bi-election)
- Grand Chief: 2006-2009
- 2015-2018
- 2018-2021
- 2021-2024
Some notable achievements during his tenure include:
- 2008: Final settlement agreement between Ontario Power Generation and Akwesasne.
- May 2009: Led the community through a 42-day bridge closure related to the dispute between Akwesasne and the CBSA.
- Chair of the Independent First Nations Executive Committee, representing 12 First Nation communities in Ontario.
- Previous board member of the Akwesasne Career and Employment Support Services.
Chief Thompson sat on many boards, committees and commissions and was a “mover and shaker.” Former Council Members recall how he was always reading something. He advised that others be up on their reading to always be ready for discussion on the topic at the Council table. Chief Thompson was also a great advocate for elders within our community who knew they could always count on him. He worked on the Racing Against Drugs campaign for many years, where a grand event was hosted annually for the youth of Akwesasne. Anyone who knows Dooley also knows his love for cooking and how he would share delicious meals and recipes at meal luncheons.
In addition to his time on Council, Chief Thompson worked in various positions throughout the MCA. He served short terms as the A/Program Manager at the St. Regis Drug and Alcohol Program, as an A/Assistant Program Manager at Iohahi:io, and as a Finance Officer. He also worked for almost six years in Human Resources as a Staffing Officer. During his time in HR, he was part of a well-organized, highly developing HR office, implementing many policies and processes to ensure consistency across the organization.
As Chief Thompson concludes his service to our community, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Though he wore many hats during his time with us, both figuratively and literally, we hope he enjoys his new hat as a retiree! Nia:wen Chief Thompson for your many years of service!
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