Meet (some of) the Council candidates

The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake (MCK) election season has officially arrived, with a final list of candidates coming today or Monday.

However, the list of provisional candidates has been circulating since Sunday, and with election day - August 2 - just around the corner, The Eastern Door reached out to all the candidates running for office to make their pitch in their own words - each answering the same questions in the same allotted amount of space.

Because the list is provisional, not all the candidates will necessarily be on the ballot, due to possible contestations or other eligibility measures. Stay tuned for the final list.

One situation of note - one candidate, Amanda Simon, has announced that she was disqualified. More information on that is available in another article in this issue.

The Eastern Door has nevertheless included her Meet the Candidates submission, with a clarifying note, since the situation may still be resolved before the final list comes out.

The incumbent Council members who were nominated as candidates for chief and submitted a response are Serge Otsi Simon, who is also on the provisional list of grand chief candidates, and Amy Beauvais. Valerie Bonspille was also elected to the current term of Council; while she was ruled earlier this year to have vacated her position by the Ethics Commission, she has contested its validity.

The provisional candidates who did not submit a response are Shirley Bonspille, Denise David (incumbent), Derek Denis, Mary Nicholas, Francis Phillips, and Todd Simon.

The community will elect six MCK chiefs to Council.

Look out for our “Meet the grand chief candidates” feature in next week’s issue. In addition to Serge Otsi Simon, the provisional candidates for grand chief are Victor Bonspille and Brant Etienne.

Answers have been minimally edited for length, clarity, and style.

Amy Beauvais

Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish?

I am running because, as always, I have at my core a desire to help my community as best I can. Also, I still have ongoing projects that I would like to see through to completion, such as the IELCC amounts for children 0-6, the housing initiatives, the housing pilot project, the Red Seal trade adult education DEP creation, the development of a communications department, and the Community Connect Communication project.

I’ve also been working on a template manual for administration to use and a governance manual for chiefs, which I haven’t been able to finish. For the next mandate, I would like to focus on possibly restructuring the organization with service outcome in mind, to have more cross-over cooperation between the departments, as I loved witnessing the synergy at the IELCC committee meetings. Also, a committee of strategists that can really assess the needs of the community.

What makes you the right person for the job?

I think I would be an asset to the Council as I have a solution-based mindset and believe that anything is possible. I’ve learned a lot in my mandate. I believe that we should always be striving to better ourselves, which is why I took leadership courses while I was sitting on the Council. I’m here to listen to the needs and ready to work together towards them. For instance, lack of communication?  We now have the MCK Connect app, with information straight to your phone. Housing crisis? We are developing a strategy, a DEP course, and social housing.

Valerie Bonspille

Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish?

The reason I decided to run for a third term for MCK is that I believe that Kanesatake can rise above the chaos of the past years with the right persons at the table. My hope is that the voice and the inclusion of the people can finally be heard.

What makes you the right person for the job?

I believe I could be the right person to fill one of the six seats, because I will pursue honesty, accountability, transparency, and inclusion for the members of Kanesatake. I believe Kanesatake can be a proud community with the right leadership that also includes community involvement.

Lynn Cataford Gabriel

Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish?

My desire and intent to become an elected candidate for the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake, but foremost for Kanehsata’kehró:non, is to generate a strong and prosperous community.

I believe that being in office is a commitment to our people. It is a position which requires all decision-making to be brought forth with the involvement and interest of Kanesata’kehró:non.

Representing our community through the voice of our people would be a privilege that I would proudly stand for.

Council is moving closer to rectifying land issues, re-establishing housing repairs, and addressing the housing crisis in our community. It would be a privilege to be involved in these upcoming changes.

I want to reasonably accomplish all that can be attained within the four-year term in office. Knowing and keeping up to date with assigned portfolios will be a priority.

What makes you the right person for the job?

Deciding to run for a Council position brought about plenty of self-reflection. However, what first came to mind was what can I do to help our community.

The majority of my employment has been working for our community in the health care field. I quickly discovered problem solving, patience, working under pressure, and managing tasks.

I have always had a strong work ethic, and I can adapt well and can work collectively or individually.

I’ve recently completed an AEP course in carpentry, which has given me the confidence to take on challenges that can seem nearly impossible through perseverance and determination.

Kahionhate Riley Denis

Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish?

I’m running for Council because Kanesatake deserves leadership that can put differences aside and work together for the greater good - with respect, responsibility, and a shared commitment to the well-being of our people.

Like many in our community, I’m frustrated with the poor state of our roads and infrastructure, and this will be a priority. I’ll also advocate for adequate housing funding that reflects the realities of today’s economy.

I believe it’s time for the younger generation of Kanesatake to have a stronger voice at the decision-making table. We are underrepresented - yet we’re the ones who will live with the long-term impacts of today’s decisions.

I stand for economic sovereignty, responsible business, and sustainable growth. Everyone in Kanesatake should have the opportunity to thrive - right here at home. That means creating reliable career opportunities in our own community, so people don’t have to leave to build a good life.

What makes you the right person for the job?

I believe the right person for this role is someone who understands the issues, listens to the people, and brings real-world experience to the table.

With a background in the excavation business, I have hands-on experience in road maintenance. I understand what’s involved - the work, the planning, and the investment it takes to do it right.

More importantly, I’m committed to being part of a council that works together - not against each other - for the good of Kanesatake. I’m ready to listen, to show up, and to help move our community forward on the issues that matter most.

Cindy Gabriel

Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish?

To run in the 2025 Election was not so much a decision as it was a calling. For many years, I have seen my community hurting, struggling with rage, anger towards each other. I’m tired of it. I want to see my community in peace again. I believe there are good people here, the community has many positive things about it.

It’s not all about the negative things that goes on, people talk about all the pot shops, illegal dumping, nightly smoke shows, etc. I want to highlight the good things about Kanesatake, and that is our people. My heart is being pulled to this election because I want to find a way to help build on the good things. We are inherently peaceful people, and we can get there. It starts with learning to work together at the council level on day one.

What makes you the right person for the job?

I am the right person for this job because I bring forth energy focused on the good things here in our community. I am not afraid of doing the hard work, getting my feet on the ground and talking to everyone. We all have something to contribute in rebuilding our community. I will be part of a solution focused on growth. I offer my heart, my integrity, and honesty. My work at the Healing Lodge has shown me people can do great things when given the tools. Let’s do this together. Take a step towards growth and new beginnings.

Serge Otsi Simon

Editors note: Serge Otsi Simon is also among the provisional candidates for grand chief and comfirmed to The Eastern Door that he intends to be on both ballots.

Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish?

I’m running for council chief to use my one voice at the table to promote desperately needed changes to the way we govern ourselves.

The election code needs to be amended in such a way that it properly reflects the custom of our community.

Roles and responsibilities of the elected to be clearly defined.

Ethics, to help guide and hold accountable the elected body.

In each of the guides mentioned, a clear, well-thought-out set of consequences for violations that are based on a clear description of the severity of offences.

I understand that the lack of progress for Kanesatake is often related to its governance as it presently stands so, I cannot make promises that I know this governance can’t help me deliver for Kanesatake. We just can’t tolerate any longer, a governance that is built for social and economic destruction. Rules and consequences must be imposed on the elected.

What makes you the right person for the job?

My acquired experience of 10 years as grand chief and three years as council chief, give me a unique perspective on any issue.

I know how to be diplomatic to foster partnerships, but I also know when to fight when the rights of Kanesatake are threatened.

My knowledge of human rights, land history, and other legal precedents will help guide the decision-making at our table.

Finally, my experience has taught me that, if governance isn’t brought to order, we may never see the progress our community is owed, and we may be forced to start over after every election.

Amanda Simon (disqualified)

Editor’s note: Amanda Simon announced Wednesday night that the electoral officer had communicated to her that she is disqualified due to the MCK finance department indicating an outstanding debt to Council, which she contested in a public post. Her submission is included because the situation may be resolved before the publication of the final candidate list. Find our complete article on the situation in this issue.

Why are you running and what do you want to accomplish?

I am running to restore trust, integrity, and unity in our governance. For too long, our leadership has operated in secrecy, sidelining community voices and violating the very codes that should protect us. My mission is to bring decision-making back to the people, grounded in our values of respect, accountability, and cultural survival. I will protect our land, strengthen transparency, and ensure every family has a voice in the future of Kanehsatà:ke. My four-year plan focuses on electoral reform, land protection, community safety, and restoring dignity in public service. Critically, I will also lead long-overdue reform of our sectoral self-government legislation and land code, which has been shamefully ignored since 2001. Together, we can rebuild what was broken - with strength from our roots, and purpose for our future.

What makes you the right person for the job?

With decades of experience in governance, land management, and national leadership, I have the skill, knowledge, and heart to serve our people with integrity. I led as chair of NALMA, built community-driven plans rooted in healing and culture, and have never backed down from holding systems accountable. I don’t make promises - I make plans. I am deeply rooted in our community and carry both traditional values and a forward-looking vision. I’ve walked this path with humility and fire. I am ready.

[email protected]

Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reportern