2023 Tyendinaga Mohawk Council Election
CAST YOUR BALLOT
Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Quinte Mohawk School – 1624 York Road, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON, K0K 1X0
2023 Election Results
MBQ Elections Results for 1 Chief and 6 Councillors are:
Chief:
Maracle, R. Donald – 809
Miracle, Karoniakeshon Andrew – 66
Councillor:
Brant, Chris ‘Hockey’ – 586
Brant, Kurtis ‘Chip’ – 548
Brant, Ogwari – 483
Ferrante, Erin – 574
Leween, Ainsley – 427
Leween, Lynda – 667
Maracle, Chris – 659
Maracle, Lily ‘Lou’ – 462
ELECTED CANDIDATES:
Chief:
– R. Donald Maracle
Councillors:
– Chris ‘Hockey’ Brant
– Kurtis ‘Chip’ Brant
– Ogwari Brant
– Erin Ferrante
– Lynda Leween
– Chris Maracle
Candidates for Chief
R. Donald Maracle

Re-Elect CHIEF R. DONALD MARACLE
I wish to thank my nominators, Kayla and Kyala Green. I thank my staff for their dedication, hard work, and support over the past three decades. During the 2022-23 term, much of our time has been focused on infrastructure projects, housing, land claims, long-term care and water line projects.
I have served on council for 30 years as Chief and 12 years as Councillor. I have been a strong advocate for increased funding and we have realised much progress in the expansion of our land base, reconstruction of our roads, construction of additional water lines, installation of sewer and natural gas lines, new administration and police buildings, a new fire hall, a long-term care home, additional housing, development of recreation space, more funding for post-secondary education for our youth, preservation of our heritage sites, revenue generation, and in the implementation of many new programs and services that have provided jobs, social support, and prosperity for our people. I have also served on many local and regional boards dedicated to community and social development, including on the AFN Chiefs Committee on Housing and Infrastructure, as Chair of the Chiefs of Ontario Housing and Infrastructure Committee, co-chair of the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Long Term Care, Chair of the Christ Church Restoration Committee, on the FNTI Board of Directors, on the Mohawk Singers and Kanyengeh Festival Boards, and on the Chiefs of Ontario Committee on Energy and Chiefs Committee on Health.
A partial list of projects that I have proactively lobbied for past and present with many thanks to our funding partners and hardworking staff:
$110.3 Million for Water Lines and Roads; 679 Connections
• $5.5 Million for Bayshore Road, Church Lane, and HWY 2 • $845,000 for waterline to the community centre –
water and sewer infrastructure – completed completed
• $26.7 Million for the Phase I construction of an MBQ water • $8.1 Million for waterline from Milltown to Industrial Park
treatment plant and 43 watermain connections – • $30 Million from Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund
completed for waterlines along Norway’s, Beach, Upper and Lower
• $857 000 for the Deseronto Water Optimization Project for Slash, Milltown, and Wyman Roads, Homeland Drive,
600 units of more capacity – completed making available approximately 330 connections
• $2.4 Million for additional sewage capacity – completed • York Road repaving from Norway’s to Shannonville ($3.7
• MBQ a priority on ISC’s End Boil Water Advisories list million from Infrastructure Canada, $916 000 from Ontario,
• $14.5 Million for Phase II water line from Meadow Drive to and $333 000 from MBQ)- completed
Shannonville, and elevated water storage reservoir, • $4.3 million for 25 connections to the water line on
making available 123 new connections – completed Gussy’s, Cedar Glen, Shannonville, Iona’s and Iva’s roads
• $16.5 Million for Phase Ill watermain to Shannonville, • Bayshore Road Sewage Station upgrade
Airport Road, parts of Old HWY 2, Seros Road and Johnsons Lane, 120 connections
$9 Million for Natural Gas Lines
• $1 Million from Union Gas to install natural gas lines along Bayshore Road, York Road, and Meadow Drive – completed
• $8 Million approved by Ontario and Enbridge for natural gas lines along York Road, part of Ridge Road, Homeland Drive, and part of Lower Slash Road – construction started November 2023 with expected completion in February 2024
$6.9 Million Skyway Bridge Rehabilitation Community Impact Benefit Agreement with MTO
• $1.8 Million Hangar upgrades • $128 000 for demolition of the former band office
• $300 000 lease agreement with MTO • $500 000 employment program over five years
• $1.2 Million for Airport Road reconstruction • $400 000 for MBQ administration
$2.1 Million for MBQ Housing and Homelessness Supports
• $148 000 for a generator for the Eider’s Lodge, a new fourplex, 19 new steel roofs on MBQ housing rentals, new cabinetry,
new hot water tanks, natural gas hookups, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and repairs in general.
• $500 000 from ISC to renovate three housing units to address homelessness – completed November 2023
• $966 250 loan from CMHC Section 95 for construction of four units on Ridge Road – completed November 2023
• Inflation cost of living relief for Ontario Works clients • $250,000 from ISC Community Justice and Wellness Fund for construction of 2 houses at Red Cedars. Women’s introduction to carpentry job training program also developed in partnership with ALFDC and MBQ Employment and Training- in progress
• $274,000 from ISC Community Support Fund to purchase two 1-bedroom modular pandemic isolation units- in progress
Other Funded Projects:
- $807,764 for Turton Penn Land Remediation completed
- $300,000 annual revenue to date through partnership with Ernestown Wind Project and Blue Earth Solar
- Member of the Ontario Chiefs Committee on Energy and Hydro Rates successfully lobbied for elimination of delivery charge for on-reserve accounts
- New medical building and funding for a doctor
- Increased O&M funding from $405 052 to $2.4 Million to support the maintenance of on reserve assets
- $750 000 VIA Rail CN goodwill agreement for Airport Road project, post-secondary funding and the library
- $1.6 Million for restoration of Christ Church, installation of ramp, steps, and driveway to ensure accessibility
- Lobbied to get 110 additional police in First Nations communities, including one more in Tyendinaga
- $6.7 Million for flood remediation in 2017-19
- $7.7 Million in additional funding to support programs and services during pandemic, including purchasing computers for school children, continuity of operations and the provision of services to community members, vaccination clinics and advocacy, additional PPE and cleaning supplies
- Partial Settlement of Culbertson Tract – $31 million partial settlement with ongoing consultation with community through December
$83 Million for 128-Bed Licensed MBQ Long-Term Care Facility
Our Home, once in operation, will create over 100 full and part-time well paying jobs which will in turn create a significant financial
boost to our local economy. Construction began in July 2023 with an anticipated opening in 2025.
• $48 Million 25-year construction subsidy and $7.2 million • $25 Million Infrastructure Canada/Green Inclusive Build
annual operating subsidy from the Ministry of Long-Term grant
Care • $6 Million CMHC grant plus a loan interest loan
• $10.3 million ML TC one-time construction grant • $5 million from Indigenous Services Canada
• $250,000 from the Indigenous Services Canada CORP • $188,223 for one-time staff orientation funding
program and $250,000 from Canada Mortgage and • $770,422 grant from Ontario’s Skills Development Fund for
Housing Corporation Seed funding training of Personal Support Workers and RPNs
Future Goals:
• Actively pursue settlements for more of our land claims • Continue lobbying for more money for MBQ administration
• Continued advocacy to the IJC for better management of to ensure comparable wages and benefits to other local
Lake Ontario water levels employers in order to retain staff
• Engage in Bill C 15 National Action Plan discussions on • Construction of additional housing to address the chronic
Implementation of UNDRIP housing crisis
• Promotion and revitalization of Mohawk culture • MBQ Service Centre Along HWY 401
• Pursue funding for a court system, bylaw enforcement • Protection of our tax exemption rights
officers, and $1.1 million in funding to expand our police • Protecting our hunting and fishing rights
service. MNP consultants are conducting a careful needs • Engage in discussions on Indian Residential School burial
and financial risk assessment for our police service sites, 60s Scoop settlement, UN DRIP implementation, and
• Pursue economic development that generates additional new policing regulations
revenue for MBQ and employment for people • Continue lobbying efforts for additional ISC allocation to
• Explore possibility of expanding our agricultural operations, address critical First Nations needs, especially affordable
including apple orchards and other agricultural initiatives housing on and off reserve
• Develop laws regarding residency, business • Drug Treatment Centre in Southeastern Ontario
• Continue to lobby for increases in NIHB funding • Additional 30km of water lines for un-serviced roads and
• Turton Penn Loss of Use Claim gas line expansion
• Increases in Education funding • More community consultation
At all times I have enjoyed the opportunity to promote our community in a positive way. I am honoured to be nominated to serve as your Chief and I ask for your continued support as I work on a variety of issues and projects. For continued dedicated, knowledgeable, results-oriented leadership, I request your support on December 2nd for the position of Chief.
R. Donald Maracle
Atoroserio, Wolf Clan
Karoniakeshon Andrew Miracle

44 YEARS AGO, AND YOU ARE STILL WAITING…
LET’S MAKE TYENDINAGA GREAT!
TO ALL MOHAWKS OF THE BAY OF QUINTE YEAR 2023
I AM RUNNING TO DRAIN THE SWAMP!!
- MIRACLES, MIRACLES, MIRACLES WILL HAPPEN SAITH THE LORD.
- Elon Musk to be given Mohawk Membership. Alumni of Queen’s University, Kingston, ON. Fresh, innovative ideas!
- CHIEFS WILL ONLY BE IN OFFICE FOR 3 TERMS OF TWO YEARS EACH, FOR A MAXIMUM OF 6 YEARS.
- COUNCILLORS WILL ONLY BE IN OFFICE FOR 4 TERMS, FOR A MAXIMUM OF 8 YEARS.
- LICENSE CANNABIS STORES UNDER TYENDINAGA SOVEREIGN RIGHT FOR EASE OF INSURANCE PURPOSES.
- THE CULBERTSON TRACT AGREED TO PAYOUT AND TRANSFER IN 2003. $32M PLUS 20 YEARS OF INTEREST MUST BE PAID BACK TO THE MEMBERS. CAN YOU IMAGINE? 20 YEARS AGO, AND NOTHING DONE UNTIL 2023!
- $2M WILL BE APPROPRIATED FROM THE CULBERTSON LAND TRACT TO BUILD A CULTURAL AND HERITAGE MUSEUM,
AND TO SHOWCASE MOHAWK HISTORY, CULTURE, LANGUAGE, AND TALENTS.
- DEEDS FOR YOUR PROPERTIES, NOT CERTIFICATES OF POSSESSION AND NOT TYENDINAGA TOWNSHIP POSSESSION.
- FOR ALL HOMES THAT ARE CONTROLLED BY THE COUNCIL, MORTGAGES WILL BE ARRANGED AND OCCUPANTS WILL OWN.
- MORTGAGES FOR NEW HOUSING WILL BE AVAILABLE.
- TERRITORY LAND OPENED FOR PURCHASE BY MOHAWKS.
- CIGARETTE QUOTA SYSTEM DISSOLVED (TAX MONEY). CANADA CANNOT TELL US HOW MANY WE CAN SELL ANY
MORE THAN THEY CAN TELL MCDONALD’S HOW MANY HAMBURGERS TO SELL FOR THE YEAR OR TIM HORTON’S
HOW MUCH COFFEE TO SELL. MONEY RETURNED TO ALL INVOLVED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO QUOTA. AS YOU KNOW, I WON THE GAS TAX FOR ALL NATIVES IN CANADA. I AM CURRENTLY IN COURT TO HAVE TAXES REMOVED FROM CIGARETTES. WHY THIS COUNCIL AND PAST COUNCILS HAVE NOT DONE THIS IS UNREASONABLE.
- A WHOLESALE WAREHOUSE MAINTAINED BY AND FOR PEOPLE WITH NO QUOTA E.G. SOBEY’S OR CORE-MARK.
- SMALL BUSINESS LOANS WILL BE GIVEN TO PEOPLE AGE 18+ WHO WOULD LIKE TO DEVELOP NEW BUSINESS IDEAS
ON THE TERRITORY, FOR EXAMPLE, SHOE STORES, BEAUTY SALONS, BAIT STORES, AND ANYTHING TO MAKE TYENDINAGA A FULL-FLEDGED PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITY.
- WHEN A MOHAWK MAN TAKES A WIFE FROM WHEREVER AND SHE IS A WOMAN, SHE RECEIVES MOHAWK STATUS.
- WHEN A MOHAWK WOMAN TAKES A HUSBAND FROM WHEREVER AND HE IS A MAN, HE RECEIVES MOHAWK STATUS.
- A JUSTICE SYSTEM FOR 3 ½ TREATY, SIMCOE DEED.
- DRIVERS’ LICENSES AND PLATES FROM TYENDINAGA MOHAWK NATION.
- GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS RETURNED. ONE EVERY 3 MONTHS. (YOU NEED TO BE INFORMED).
- OUR AIRPORT TO FULL OPERATION. FLY IN AND FLY OUT PRODUCTS AND PEOPLE, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL).
- MOST IMPORTANT, A BANK FOR YOU. WHY HAS THIS NEVER BEEN DONE?
- EVEN THE SMALLEST VOICE WILL BE HEARD.
- CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR EVERY MEMBER LIVING IN TYENDINAGA AT A VALUE OF $300 WHO ARE 16 YEARS AND OVER.
NOTE: CASINO: MOHICIAN SUN GIVES EACH MEMBER $28,000/YR; RAMA $30,000; AND SEMINOLES $7,000/MONTH TO EACH MEMBER, EVEN CHILDREN AT THE PRESENT TIME. TYENDINAGA GIVES NOTHING! NOTHING!! NOTHING!!!
- WE WILL BUILD A MUCH-NEEDED HIGH SCHOOL.
- WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS FOR ALL.
- SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE GIVEN IN ALL FIELDS, (LAW, MEDICINE, ENGINEERING, TEACHING ETC) FOR COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY AND GRADUATES MUST BE BONDED TO GIVE 5 YEARS OF SERVICE TO TYENDINAGA.
- PROGRAMS AND SPORTS FACILITIES FOR THE YOUTH.
- NURSING HOME FOR OUR ELDERS. WE OWE THEM THIS DEBT.
- IMMIGRATION POLICY WILL BE IMPLEMENTED. THIS IS A SEPARATE COUNTRY.
- WILL UPHOLD QUEEN VICTORIA’S BARGAIN OF 1665.
- FREE TRAVEL ON VIA RAIL AND CNN FOR MOHAWKS COAST TO COAST. TRAINS ARE CROSSING OUR LANDS.
- THE CONSOLIDATED REVENUE FUNDS ARE AT $13,700,000 TRILLION. WHERE IS OUR SHARE?
- 50 NEW HOMES WILL BE AVAILABLE IN YEAR ONE: AND 100 IN YEAR TWO, WITH MORTGAGE MONEY FROM OUR BANK.
- 400 JOBS WILL BE CREATED IN 2024.
- $1,000.00 GIVEN TO ALL FAMILIES OR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS RETURNING TO LIVE IN THE MOHAWK NATION.
- ALL OF THE AFOREMENTIONED WILL SERVE TO THE BENEFIT OF THE MOHAWK PEOPLE. IT’S ABOUT TIME!
Everything on this paper should and could have been implemented and completed 20 years ago! Why not?
KARONIAKESHON
ANDREW MIRACLE
Personal Cell Number: 613-849-0611
YOUR INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR CHIEF
Candidates for Councillors
Chris "Hockey" Brant
Platform to come.
Kurtis "Chip" Brant

ON DECEMBER 2ND VOTE for KURTIS “CHIP” BRANT
Hello, my name is Kurtis Brant (Chip). I was born and raised here on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, and I have enjoyed raising my children here. I am a husband, and father to 4 children and grandfather to 2 grand children. My parents are the late Bill & Norma Brant. My grandparents are the late Cameron and Helen Brant, and the late Percy and Eileen Green. I was a member of the Mohawk Fire department for 30 years. I currently sit on the Recreation committee and I am also the Vice President of the Kente Horseshoe League here on the territory.
As a resident here all my life, I believe that I can contribute positively to our Community.
Here are some of the changes that we should focus on:
• Infrastructure and Economic Development
Creating our own source revenue by building attractions like a cultural museum, and build a grocery store which would provide employment and help our members shop local. Develop a revenue plan for the golf course that will benefit the Community.
• Recreation, Education and Language Revitalization
We need to create more opportunities for our youth and our elders to participate in healthy activities and organized sports by building facilities like a gymnasium with a pool and indoor walking track. We need to keep our Mohawk Language alive by sup-porting the current initiatives and creating new ones, as a Community. We need to of-fer more opportunities for those who want to be educated by ensuring that our current funding system for Education actually supports the needs of Community members.
• Community Development
Our Community is progressive and offers many great opportuni-ties. We should focus on finding additional funding for new pro-grams and current programs that help support our elders, chil-dren, youth, and our families in need.
We need to be transparent to the community about everything and have consultation with our community. No Secrets!!
ON DECEMBER 2ND VOTE for KURTIS “CHIP” BRANT
Reach out to me @ 613-847-3105 or by email brantkurtis358@gmail.com
Ogwari Brant

On December 2nd VOTE CHASE “OGWARI” BRANT for Council
Honest, Hardworking and Transparent Community Representation
ABOUT ME:
For those of you who do not know me, my name is Ogwari (Chase) Brant. I was raised on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, as the youngest of 4 children born to Harold (Hairbear) and Darla Brant. As a father to 4 children, a husband, bother, uncle and son, I value family and community. I am known for my kind personality and support throughout the community. I have always felt it was important to give back to my community and have made it a priority over the years through donating, volunteering, coordinating food drive & gift donations, converting the lacrosse box into a safe outdoor skating rink and working as volunteer lacrosse coach.
I believe that we all have a role to play in protecting our community and this is why I served as a volunteer firefighter with the Mohawk Fire Department for 6 years. My wife and I currently own and operate Eastern Door Thrift Store here on the territory. The plan of this business is to give 25% of gross income back to different organizations in the community. My most recent employment was with Original Traders Energy. I enjoyed my employment at OTE because they continually gave back to the communities they operated in, even here in Tyendinaga, with a donation of $1,000,000 to the Fire Department. I previously operated Mohawk Vehicle Protection with my family for 2.5 years. I pride myself on being an honest and hard-working man.
Growing up on the Territory has provided me with an understanding of the history of Tyendinaga and the importance of Sovereignty. Being a young father, I understand the importance sustaining our language and culture for the next generations to come as well as the importance of being self sustainable as a community.
I am running for council as I believe our younger generations need a stronger representation on council and I would be honored to be that voice. My approach incorporates an ability to listen, a willingness to work with all community members, a belief in transparency and accountability. As my father always told me you cannot have strength without unity.
If elected these are items I will work towards:
• TRANSPARENCY • SELF GOVERNANCE • NO SECRETS • YOUTH ENGAGEMENT • BETTER HEALTH COVERAGE • BETTER CARE FOR OUR ELDERS
TRANSPARENCY:
Informing and consultation with the community members will be my focus. Community consultation should be a top priority for council when dealing with our community’s funds, lands, investments, economic development and the rights of our future generations. Financial transparency is another top priority of mine. I will ensure that the community is better informed of the financial dealing and a honest effort is made to make community members aware of all council and audit meetings as well as community engagement/consultation meeting. I will strive for a well-informed community driven Council.
SELF GOVERNANCE:
We as Mohawk People are a sovereign people. We need to be on a nation-to-nation basis with the federal government. We need to distance ourselves from Ontario and Canada as a whole. With self governance we would have a stand-alone police force that is accountable to our people. We would issue our own licensing for vehicles and drivers. We could change the election process and step away from the INAC system. Being Self Governed we would prosper as a community and a nation. We need to lean towards a more traditional government model.
NO SECRETS:
How did the council purchase a golf course off the reserve before anyone in the community knowing? How did we partner with other first nations on a housing complex in Belleville before anyone knew? The former councils hid these items from the community until everything was final. This is unacceptable. I believe that if the community resources are being used the community needs to know and have a say. Yes, this will slow the process on projects, but at least there will be no secrets.
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT:
Youth in our community are bored! They need something to do and places they can go! I want to create more youth programs, including the creation of a Youth Drop-in Centre. A safe, drug free place that Youth want to go and relax with free access to Internet, TV, gaming stations, pool tables, music and canteen. The Center will provide valuable youth resources such as Traditional teachings, job search, career planning, ental health awareness/support and life skills workshops. The Centres goal will be to engage our Youth; keeping them on a good path, teaching our traditional ways, valuable life skills and providing information to accessible resources. Why do our children have to leave the community to play sports? We need to create programs here for our future generations.
BETTER HEALTH COVERAGE:
The coverage through INAC is a joke. The program is very limited in resources our people need. We need to lobby Canada to step up and actually care for our people. Being denied proper medications or procedures because of health coverages. Luckly for me, all of my former places of employment had health coverage, or I would have been out 10s of 1000s of dollars for one of my children.
BETTER CARE FOR OUR ELDERS:
It’s great that former council lobbied the federal and provincial governments for money for a $70 million long term care facility. The problem is, there will only be a limited number of beds set a side for our elders from this community. I believe the majority of beds should be designated for our people. What happened to the elders lodge? I have heard all kinds of complainants from residents there. Poor maintenance is just one of the main ones.
EMAIL: Ogwari4thepeople@outlook.com Phone: 613-970-3593 www.facebook.com/Ogwari4Council
STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY
Erin Ferrante

ERIN FERRANTE for Tyendinaga Mohawk Council
“Building a healthy, sustainable, community together”
Hello all, my name is Erin Ferrante, I am wolf clan and I am running for one of six councillor positions in the upcoming election. I was born and raised here in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, to Mary Ann and David Spencer, and am now raising my sons here as well.
I have had the pleasure of working here in the community for the past 9 years in Human Resources and Administrative roles. From 2014-2016 i worked as the Human Resources Officer at the MBQ Band Office. It was there that I first gained experience in managing personal and professional relationships within our community, policy development, training and personnel development, recruitment and selection, and became extensively familiar with the Canada Labour Code and federal labour standards. After moving on from MBQ, I spent 2016-2017 as the Operations Officer – Human Resources & Administration at FNTI. Here I gained not only HR/Admin experience, but also gained knowledge of the post secondary school system, specifically as it relates to Indigenous peoples. After completion of my contract with FNTI in 2017, I accepted a position with the Kenhtè:ke Midwives, where I am no currently the Administrative Lead. I am responsible for the management of our budget, the deliverance of programs and services (with an amazing team of Onkwehon:we Midwives, Students and Admin Staff), and regular communication with provincial regulatory bodies, ministries, and federal services. I regularly advocate and lobby on behalf of our organization and clients for additional funding, grants and access to services. I am also an active member of the MBQ Parks & Recreation Committee and the Briar Fox Membership Committee. I believe these experiences, and more, would be beneficial to the role of councillor, and would help me to navigate the position.
Commitments and Intentions:
I am passionate about seeing our community and its members grow and prosper. I am committed to serving the needs of our members and working towards generating strong businesses and economic development that generages revenue and jobs for our community. I also strongly believe that our schools and daycare need additional support in order to provide our community children with the best possible learning experience. I am intent on continue the past councils work of bringing more housing to the community. I hope to encourage the creation of more single family, affordable, dwellings and to see larger families provided adequate space. I feel strongly that our community should also consider the creation of our own by-laws, in collaboration with local law enforcement and members, in the interest of protecting our land, natural resources and to ensure the safety of our people.
Our community’s best asset is our people. Together we can work to create the Tyendinaga we are proud to call home.
If you have questions, suggestions, ideas, concerns, or anything of the sort, please reach out to me at:
E: erinferrante@gmail.com | P: 613-813-3733
Ainsley Leween

She:kon, my name is Ainsley Leween, and I was born into the Bear Clan to Lea Green and Brian Scott. At the age of 9 my mother married Donald Green and we moved to the Church Lane where I lived until I left home at the age of 15. My great grandparents were Frank & Cora Doreen and I have been married for 26 years to Farrell (Dick & Honey Leween). Together we have 2 beautiful daughters (Reagan & Dylan) and I am blessed to share his son Jacob and 3 amazing grand children, (Aiyana, Isaiah and Avaya).
As a current candidate for the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council I would like to give you the opportunity to get to know me by considering some of my values, beliefs, and life experiences.
I strongly believe that change needs to come from the top and as a previous MBQ employee of 20+ years, and over 10 years in other community-based organizations, I have the tools and knowledge to make that happen. I am currently semi-retired and have the time and dedication needed to represent members of the Mohawks of the bay of quinte as an elected official.
My employment background includes Accreditation, Indigenous Homelessness, Policy Development, Employment & Training, Budget Management, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Housing, Membership, Administration, Social Services, Elections Canada /INAC Elections, Prior Learning Assessment, and a working relationship with the Ontario Regional Addictions Partnership Committee Board.
I have been a community volunteer for decades at many events such as the Mohawk Fair, Bingos, Tyendinaga Block Parent Program, and took on fundraising for several community members in need after overcoming a tragic event. and most recently, I was asked to reinstate the Annual Tyendinaga Pow Wow and with the support of an amazing committee, we had an estimated attendance of over 5,000 people.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION & ENGAGEMENT:
If elected, I intend to propose the creation of a self governing advisory board that consists of representation from the Longhouse, Elders/Story Keepers, Youth, Community Business Owners, Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawen:na Language School, and the Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary who will select a representative to sit at the TMC table to provide feedback and considerations during every Council meeting to ensure transparency and accountability are prioritized With the input from a community advisory board we can create, instill and regulate community bylaws for the betterment of the people
EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT:
We need to put more value into our own People when recruiting MBQ employees and recognize the skills and knowledge obtained from previous life experiences, not just the level of academic degrees held.
HOUSING:
I intend to address the issue of homelessness by reviewing current MBQ Housing Policies and Procedures and the apparent sub leasing of MBQ owned rental homes.
Surviving a global pandemic has significantly changed our way of life and although we have been provided the opportunity to start again, our community remains “broken”. Lack of mental health services during and after decolonization and Covid 19 has only triggered inter generational trauma and as a result we are now facing a significant number of addictions and homelessness in our community.
MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTIONS:
I will propose the lobbying and funding to construct and develop an Indigenous led rehabilitation centre with aftercare and continued mental health services on the Territory.
RECREATION & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT:
Lobby for additional funding and resources to plan, develop and update existing recreational facilities and designate an area to create a spot for land-based learning activities that can be accessed and incorporated into the curriculum of all our education programs.
UNITY & STRENGTH:
I believe our community should support existing programs and services like the Language School and the Seed Sanctuary both of which are dedicated to revitalizing our inherent rights and values as well as the Justice Circle that is a recognized judicial support system for Indigenous offenders.
I have a voice and I can and will use it to fight for our People! On December 2nd, vote AINSLEY LEWEEN for Council!
Lynda Leween

Shé:kon, my name is Lynda Leween and I was born into the Bear clan by Daniel (Dick) and Iva (Honey) Leween. I was born and raised on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory with nine siblings and many anties and uncles. I have two sons and I am a grandmother to five. I have dedicated my life to my family and the people of our community by taking hte time to listen and be a friend to all.
During COVID-19 I ran and held a position at the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council table for the first time. Providing guidance and leadership during a global pandemic helped me to understand the needs of our community from a perspective that has never been done before; and so, I decided to leave politics to learn more about our language, tradition and culture to better my ability to support you at the table.
A bookkeeper by trade, I am also a current member of the Native Women’s Association, the Tyendinaga Pow Wow Committee and a founder of the Grass Roots Fund, a committee that helps support families in need of food when other resources are not available. In my spare time I try to assist others as much as I can and the best way to achieve this is by becoming an elected Councillor.
As an elected representative, I want our community to not only prosper, but to give the People the power of speech. This election is a chance to have your voice heard by electing someone who shares your view of the future of Tyendinaga.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Share your ideas or ask questions by contacting me via email at lynda4council@yahoo.com or text/call me at 613-243-6922.
Together we can make a difference!
On December 2nd, vote for me as your Councillor!
Chris Maracle

I would like to thank and acknowledge the fine Mohawk women who nominated me for re-election to Council. Your confidence does not go unnoticed.
My campaign is premised upon Seven Generations teachings. Sustainability will be paramount & will provide me with great guidance in decision making.
Food, water & shelter are basic necessities of life. Chief Maracle, Council and our staff have done incredible work securing potable water for most households, with more and more coming on line each year. This has been a massive multiyear undertaking and it is coming to fruition. The finish line is in sight, and I will ensure we reach it.
We need to implement a food security strategy. Households should be encouraged to grow their own food when possible; our schools, elders lodge and struggling population could be supported with gardens, orchards and greenhouses. We were a sharing agricultural society, and pride ourselves as such.
Climate change is having significant and catastrophic consequences for all peoples – and much sooner than anticipated. We can do more by implementing energy efficiency initiatives, perhaps even developing renewable energy production here in the community.
We need to secure funding to create additional homes in currently identified & other development areas. The waiting list for homes only increases. We need to even more aggressive building homes. There is a housing crisis out there and it touches every one of us. If elected, I will lobby TMC to start phasing in the conversion of homes located within Huron Brant Drive towards eventual home ownership.
I believe a good portion of the recently acquired Culbertson Tract lands could be set aside with an idea to create at least 100 lots specifically for first time homeowners. This would provide significant socio-economic opportunities for our membership and wealth generation from the equity created through home ownership.
The community’s revolving loan fund is the envy of every First Nation in Canada. We need to identify ways to enhance the Funds growth in order to meet the ever growing demand for housing loans. In the spring of 2024 the maximum loan amount will increase to $350K per eligible applicant.
There are opportunities to receive funding to build homes off the Territory. If elected we can pursue affordable housing options for Members for example in Belleville or Napanee or further.
Community Safety: We are getting ever closer to establishing our own “stand alone’ police force. Negotiations are moving in a positive direction. Tyendinaga Police Services is drastically underfunded. I am proud to say I was on the hiring Committee for our 2 newest officers who are two fine young men from our community.
If elected, I will work towards bicycle & pedestrian lanes adjacent to our roadways. I will work to reduce speed limits & heavier enforcement of dangerous driving practices.
Our renewed Parks & Recreation Committee in partnership with the Tobacco Fund has been instrumental with numerous projects plus many others under consideration & planning. Stay tuned. Exciting things are on the horizon.
All parks equipment was replaced this year. By next spring our new splash pad will be operational as well as new and improved beach volleyball courts. Recreation is key to a healthy and vibrant community.
The past two years has seen numerous successes: Women in the trades built 2 award winning transitional homes at Red Cedars, two tiny homes will be placed in Shannonville, numerous rental homes have been built & many others under construction. The lacrosse box is receiving a retrofit; Powwow Committee has been reestablished & celebrated a very successful Pow Wow. We obtained a significant partial settlement of the Culbertson Land Claim. The compensatory amount received thus far gives the community many positive options.
There will be increased challenges ahead negotiating our land claims, policing, hunting, fishing rights, adequate funding for health, education, roads, infrastructure, tourism. The work never stops and I want to be a part of it. We can do a better job attracting outside investment to develop our industrial sector.
Where there are challenges, there are opportunities. With your support, I am confident we will continue to build a vibrant, prosperous, safe & healthy community for our children, grandchildren & future generations.
Lily "Lou" Maracle


Results Are In: Meet Your 2023-2025 Tyendinaga Mohawk Council

Submit Questions for All Candidates Night
The next - and final - All Candidates Night ahead of the 2023 Tyendinaga Mohawk Council Election is next Monday, November 27. If you have a question for a candidate but are unable to attend, please email your question to candidates@mbq-tmt.org by 11:59 p.m. Sunday,...

REMINDER: All Candidates Night Saturday, November 18
Friendly reminder that the first of two All Candidates Nights will take place Saturday, November 18 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Mohawk Community Centre (1807 York Road)....