Grand Chief Joe Norton is dead

Grand Chief Mohawk Joe Norton of Kahnawake passed away on Friday at the age of 70.

His death was announced at the end of the evening by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake.

Mr. Norton had fallen earlier in the day at his home and was rushed to hospital in critical condition. “He died with his family by his side around 8:30 p.m.,” the Council said in a statement.

“His death is a shock to his fellow Ratsénhaienhs (heads of the Council) and the whole community, as he had attended the weekly Council meeting just five days ago,” said the Council.

Mr. Norton had had health problems a few weeks ago and had taken time off to recover.

Joe Norton was first elected to the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, on the South Shore of Montreal, in 1978. He became Grand Chief in 1982 and he led the Council until his retirement in 2004. He served for 13 consecutive terms during this period.

He was therefore the Grand Chief in Kahnawake in 1990 during the Oka crisis, which more directly involved the Mohawk community of Kanesatake, but also his own, which supported the cause. His talents as a negotiator had been recognized during this crisis.

“Although many consider this to be his defining moment, his role in our history goes far beyond the events of thirty years ago. Under his leadership, Kahnawake has experienced unprecedented growth in many areas, particularly in economic development and the battle to restore and expand Kahnawake’s jurisdiction, ”the Council’s statement read.

In 2002, he received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for his public service.

Joe Norton returned to politics in 2015 and was re-elected Grand Chief. When he died on Friday, he was in his second term since his return.

Born Joseph Tokwiro Norton in Kahnawake, he became a steelworker and went to work in this field in the United States before returning to Kahnawake and engaging in politics. He is also remembered by his community as the coach of the local lacrosse team.

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