Polson-Lahache departs Council 

Winona Polson-Lahache has a reputation for giving her all to the job - it’s not uncommon for coworkers at the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) to make jokes about her truck being permanently stationed in the MCK parking lot after hours.

“I’ve definitely earned a bit of a reputation,” Polson-Lahache joked. “So, I’m really looking forward to taking the opportunity to get some rest in, and spending time with my family, and spending time outside in the bush, just reconnecting.”

Since 2015, Polson-Lahache has served as MCK’s chief political advisor, guiding the political and strategic work of the Office of the Council of Chiefs (OCC).

Throughout the years there’s been no shortage of political challenges, with Polson-Lahache heading up responses and navigating such events as the 2020 rail blockade, the pandemic, and Bill 96.

“There’s always been a really big issue to tend to, so it was a steep learning curve with jumping right in, and then it’s just been one whirlwind after another,” she said.

Polson-Lahache’s resignation was announced last Friday, during which it was noted that she will be staying on in her role throughout the posting and recruitment process of a new chief political advisor. She will also be staying on throughout her replacement’s orientation and transition period, with her expected end date being sometime in February of next year.

“It’s pretty widely known that I hold a lot of the institutional and historical knowledge of things that have taken place over the years, and I wanted to ensure that we were maximizing every opportunity to make sure all of that is documented and transferred to the next person doing this work,” Polson-Lahache said.

“I’m pretty exhausted, but I’m committed to making sure we do as thorough of a job as possible with the transition.”

Many feel that Polson-Lahache leaves behind big shoes to fill, including Gerald Taiaiake Alfred, who has worked with her throughout the years in various political roles with the MCK.

“She’s one of the most intelligent, hardworking, and dedicated people that MCK has ever had working there,” Alfred said.

Alfred said he and Polson-Lahache connected right away over their shared vision of moving governance in Kahnawake away from the Indian Act, and transitioning MCK to be part of a traditional governance structure - Alfred currently leads the Kahnawake Governance Project, charged with initiating that transition.

He said Polson-Lahache’s biggest strength is her vision for Kahnawake - as well as her dedication to the community.

“She devoted herself completely to the job and to serving the community through that job,” he said. “Her dedication to community service and her commitment to the goal of maximizing our jurisdiction and sovereignty, that’s impressive to me, and it’s motivating to work with someone who has that degree of commitment and direction.”

Leaving behind the team at MCK was a difficult decision to make, but Polson-Lahache said it’s time to prioritize her family and connect with herself again.

“We have such a tight-knit team that are all here for one reason, and that’s to figure out a way to ensure the community’s rights and interests are protected and defended,” she said. “Not being a part of that environment every day is a very scary feeling, but at this point I’m trusting the universe to know that if I’m meant to do this work again in the future, then an opportunity will come.”

Despite the late nights and early mornings at the office, Polson-Lahache said that her time at MCK has been more than worth it.

“When we’ve been able to prevent detrimental impacts to the community, it’s insanely rewarding. When we see community members appreciative of some of the benefits of that work, it fills not just your heart, but your spirit,” she said.

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