The Kahnawake Grand Chief’s family Joe Norton, who passed away on August 14, will be receiving condolences at the Kahnawake Sports Complex on August 17, 18 and 19. A service will take place at the same place on Wednesday.
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake also announced that operations will be closed for three days to mourn the passing of Mr. Norton. Essential services will, however, remain open to ensure proper communication during “this unprecedented and difficult time”.
Additionally, Council of chiefs are suspending all political activities for the next 10 days as a gesture of respect.
Flags lowered
In Chateauguay, the flags which were already lowered in support of Lebanon, will stay at half mast for the week.
The city Mayor Pierre-Paul Routhier and the council members expressed their sympathies to Mr. Norton’s family and the Kahnawake community.
“We are especially saddened because we had begun a process of rapprochement with the Grand Chief and the population of Kahnawake. There was great mutual respect between us and I dare to hope that we can continue our exchanges and the development of our relations, in mutual respect between our communities”, he said.
Federal deputy Brenda Shanahan was also saddened by the unexpected death of the Grand Chief.
“I will always remember his warm welcome whenever I visited Kahnawake and our frank discussions together. Grand Chief Norton will be deeply missed but I know his legacy will live on. Rest in Peace Joe”, she shared.
Quebec and Canada’s Prime Ministers François Legault and Justin Trudeau also offered their condolences.
For three decades, Grand Chief Joseph Norton was a passionate advocate for his community and served with distinction. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy – and my thoughts are with his family, friends, and entire community as they mourn his passing.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 15, 2020
J’apprends avec tristesse le décès du grand chef de Kahnawake, Joseph Tokwiro Norton qui a servi pendant 30 ans. J’offre mes plus sincères condoléances à sa famille, ses proches et toute la communauté. https://t.co/uCZQRd3XCX
— François Legault (@francoislegault) August 15, 2020
Schedule
Monday: Noon to 5pm, 6pm to 9pm
Tuesday: 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 5pm, 6pm to 9pm
Wednesday: 10am – Speakers followed by 11am traditional service
Among the speakers paying tribute to Mr. Norton will be Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec Labrador Ghislain Picard and Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Services.
