AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has sworn into office newly-elected officials at the 2025 Tribal Inauguration Ceremony.
The community, visiting dignitaries and partnering organizations gathered at the Travis Solomon Lacrosse Box to celebrate the inauguration of Tribal Chief Ross Garrow, Sub-Chief Derrick King, Traffic Court Judge Peter J. Terrance and Chief Judge Kristie Walsdorf.
The inauguration ceremony opened with the recitation of the “Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen,” by Kashonnahawe Paetyn Thompson-Fogt and Raegyn Fogt.
Chief Michael Conners and Chief Donald Thompson Jr. gave the customary special remarks, extending congratulatory messages to the incoming elected officials and commending each of them for the experience they bring to their elected positions.
“Our community has shown their faith and trust in all of you,” Conners said. “We know you will do your best to make Akwesasne better and we will all work together for our community’s best interest.”
Thompson thanked the staff for a successful event, and added a positive outlook for the days following inauguration.
“I am looking forward to working with everyone,” Thompson said. “We are going to keep our community the great community that it is.”
Accepting his sworn duty first, Terrance pledged commitment to his new role with the Tribal Court.
“I will do the best than I can do, be fair, and honest,” Terrance said. “For those of you that know me, no free rides.”
Terrance spent time working in outpatient addiction recovery, as well as Tribal Healing to Wellness Court, guided by personal growth and commitment to supporting others on their journey to wellness.
“I do this for the people who are struggling with addiction and in recovery,” Terrance said. “As a person in long-term recovery, things happen, things change, and things get better. I hope to be an example for that.”
Entering her role as chief judge, Walsdorf brings decades of courtroom experience. She served as lead counsel in over 125 civil and criminal jury trials and is licensed to practice in New York, Texas and Florida, as well as multiple federal courts.
“Thank you for placing your trust and faith in me,” Walsdorf said. “I will strive to give your voices, within (the Courts) walls, life.”
She affirmed her dedication to lead the Tribal Court with “fairness, integrity and compassion.”
“To ensure that all who come before our court are heard, respected and treated with dignity … as we build a stronger, fairer, and more just future for our people,” she said.
King dedicated over 28 years serving Akwesasne through his leadership in Tribal Administration and community organizations.
“It’s been a great honor serving as your Tribal sub-chief for the past 3 years and I can’t wait to continue helping our community progress and lead as a Tribal Nation,” King said.
Noting Akwesasne’s resiliency through times of uncertainty and progress made in the completion of key infrastructure projects, there are no signs of slowing down, King said.
“I am eager to continue to drive positive change and leading our Tribal Nation forward,” he added.
The newest member of Tribal Council, Garrow brings 25 years of experience in public service including leadership roles within the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Gaming Commission and participation on both the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners and Regulators Board and the SRMT Police Commission.
“We have many challenges ahead of us: housing shortages, the rising cost of college and trade schools, the need for a new Mohawk school, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring consistent funding for our first responders,” Tribal he said. “These are not small tasks but challenges I’m ready to face head on.”
All former SRMT Chiefs were also acknowledged for their leadership and dedication to public service over the years.
For more information, contact the Communications Department at communications@srmt-nsn.gov or 518-358 -2272.