Marquis-Deere appointed executive director

Dawn Marquis-Deere has officially taken over as the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK)’s executive director, having held the position on an interim basis since September of last year.

Marquis-Deere takes over the role from Onerahtókha Marquis, who left her position in December after more than three months on leave.

Marquis-Deere was officially appointed as executive director at the start of this month, after an interview process that MCK described as “competitive.”

“I’m really honoured to have been selected and to be continuing to work with the Council of chiefs, the MCK employees, and the teams that we have,” she said. “I’m dedicated to the role and I’m looking forward to continuing the work that I’ve been doing. I’m excited, and I’m very happy.”

Previously, Marquis-Deere was the executive administrative officer, working closely with the executive director and filling in for her during vacations or short-term absences. She continued managing the work of the executive administrative officer during her tenure as interim executive director.

“I was given that opportunity to build up some experience in the position, taking on those additional responsibilities and becoming more involved,” she said. “It’s been a smooth transition, and even though the permanency is new, I’m already familiar with the processes, the inner workings, and the responsibilities.”

As executive director, Marquis-Deere will continue work to implement MCK’s strategic plan and overall political priorities, as well as comprehensive community planning that will involve connecting with the community’s various public sector organizations.

“We’re about halfway through the MCK strategic plan, and we’ve seen a lot of great progress on a lot of our objectives,” she said. “We’re continuing to work towards many of the projects identified as priorities.”

Having worked in the community for more than two decades, Marquis-Deere said she’s well-equipped to lead MCK’s executive office, with experience at the Caisse Populaire and the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) informing her understanding of how community organizations work.

“I’m excited to use my skills and experience in this capacity for the community, I find it rewarding,” she said. “I’m going to get to work with more units, more services, and try and support them so that they can provide the best services to our community and that we can see progress in those community objectives that we have.”

She said that providing stability within the organization is one of her main priorities moving forward.

“It all boils down to continuously improving our services and the work that goes on behind the scenes,” she said. “The employees of the MCK are the backbone of our organization and with the work they put in for our community day after day, I’m always proud to work with this group of people.”

She said that being surrounded by a strong team is what will continue to make the transition smooth as she settles into the executive director role.

“It’s like a family here, and I feel supported by them,” she said.

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