MOHAWK COUNCIL OBSERVES PASSING OF FORMER-TSI SNAIHNE CHIEF LOUIS LAZORE
Tsiothorko:wa/January 9, 2012
AKWESASNE MOHAWK TERRITORY – It is with a sad heart that the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has learned about the passing of former-Tsi Snaihne District Chief Louis Lazore. A respected community leader, Chief Lazore waged a courageous battle with cancer before passing away peacefully at home on Friday, January 6, 2012 surrounded by family and friends.
Chief Louis Lazore was an invaluable member of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, having been elected to serve five (5) terms as Tsi Snaihne District Chief. First elected in 1986, Chief Lazore served two consecutive terms from 1986 to 1991. Following a nine (9) year absence from politics, Louie returned in 2000 and served with admiration for three more terms before leaving Mohawk Council for medical reason in 2009. Louis has been and will continue to be missed on Council.
During his time on Council, Chief Louis Lazore was vigilant in the defense of our Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, and the preservation of our rights as Akwesasronon. As a member of the MCA negotiation team for both the Kawehnoke-Easterbrook and Tsikaristisere/Dundee Land Claims from their onset, he was instrumental in moving the negotiations with Canada forward. Chief Lazore's work toward the settlement of these two claims, and toward the favorable settlement of all historical Akwesasne claims, is his legacy for the community and the people for which he so tirelessly served.
In observance of his passing, the Mohawk Council extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and to the community of Akwesasne for its loss. As a courageous leader for Akwesasne, all MCA flags will be flown at ‘half-staff’ in remembrance of Louis. The MCA will also be closed on Wednesday, January 11th for council members and staff to attend funeral services for Chief Lazore.
