Executive director on leave
Onerahtókha Marquis (left) has departed from her role as MCK’s executive director, with Dawn Marquis-Deer (right) continuing to serve as interim executive director. File photo
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK)’s executive director Onerahtókha Marquis is on leave from the organization, with no clear timeline to her possible return to office or reason for departure, K1037 Radio first reported last week.
Her leave started on Tuesday, September 2, with the Council table appointing Dawn Marquis-Deere interim executive director in Marquis’ absence. Deere is the organization’s current executive administrative officer, and she told The Eastern Door that she’s well prepared to cover for Marquis during her absence, having filled in for her before during vacations.
“There’s some replacement mechanisms already in place,” Deere said. “Our support team has been great in ensuring that anything that needs approvals is being prioritized as we’re moving through this process, so there shouldn’t be any disruptions.”
Those mechanisms include a relationship framework that is outlined between the executive director and the Council of Chiefs. The document makes clear how the executive office should work, with the executive director overseeing all other executives as well as the commissioner of justice services, the public safety commission, and legal services.
“As a vital leadership position, it is crucial to ensure operational continuity by appointing Marquis-Deere as the interim executive director,” said MCK grand chief Cody Diabo. “The framework ensures that there are no voids in the governing structure of the MCK.”
The MCK said they would be unable to provide further details at this time as to why Marquis is on leave from the organization, nor can they say how long the absence will be for.
In the interim, Marquis-Deere’s appointment will last until Marquis returns from leave or for a period of up to six months, whichever is sooner. Should she be temporarily unavailable at any point in her coverage, executive financial officer Kyle Delisle will step up to the plate as the secondary designate.
“I’m going to really do my best to ensure that there is continuity and that the responsibilities of the executive director do continue,” Marquis-Deere said.
