MOHAWK COUNCIL OBSERVES THE PASSING OF FORMER DISTRICT CHIEF LLOYD BENEDICT

With sadness, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne shares news of the passing of former longtime District Chief Lloyd Benedict of the Kawehno:ke district. Our condolences are given to his loved ones.

 

Chief Benedict was elected to Council for five consecutive terms, totaling 15 years, from 1982-1994. We acknowledge his dedication and commitment to serving the community and responding to Akwesasne’s call for his leadership.

 

The 1980s saw heavy growth and change in the community and MCA organization, and Chief Benedict’s traditional values and respect for our land and environment helped see many positive improvements come to fruition. He was part of the lobbying effort to secure state-of-the-art water treatment facilities and safe drinking water, which to this day we continue to celebrate.

 

Beyond his years on Council, Chief Benedict continued to play an active role in the community. Along with serving on various boards and starting his own fishery, Chief Benedict also remained a regular participant in political and government matters. His presence and contributions at community meetings will be solemnly missed.

 

We honour Chief Benedict and his years served and offer our sympathies to all those in mourning. In observance of his passing, flags at MCA will be flown at half-mast.