AKWESASNE, NY – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe held its 2025 Tribal Inauguration Ceremony at the Travis Solomon Lacrosse Box, where newly elected officials – Tribal Chief Ross Garrow, Sub-Chief Derrick King, Traffic Court Judge Peter J. Terrance, and Chief Judge Kristie Walsdorf – were formally sworn into office. The event was attended by community members, visiting dignitaries, and representatives from partnering organizations, and began 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,” said Chief Connors. “We know you will do your best to make Akwesasne better and we will all work together for our community’s best interest.”
Chief 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. We are going to keep our community the great community that it is,” said Thompson.
Accepting his sworn duty first, Traffic Judge Terrance pledged commitment to his new role with the tribal court. “I will do the best that I can do to be fair and honest,” said Terrance. “For those of you that know me, there are 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. He continued, “I do this for the people who are struggling with addiction and in recovery. 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, Kristie Walsdorf brings decades of courtroom experience, fighting for justice on every level. She served as lead counsel in over 125 civil and criminal jury trials and is licensed to practice in New York, Texas, Florida, as well as multiple federal courts. “Thank you for placing your trust and faith in me,” said Walsdorf. “I will strive to give your voices, within [the Courts] walls, life.” Walsdorf 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.”
“It’s been a great honor serving as your Tribal Sub-Chief for the past three years and I can’t wait to continue helping our community progress and lead as a tribal nation,” said re-elected Tribal Sub-Chief Derrick King. He dedicated over 28 years to serving Akwesasne through his leadership in tribal administration and community organizations, and is often sought out for his deep understanding of community needs. 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: “I am eager to continue to drive positive change and leading our tribal nation forward.”
The newest member of tribal council, Tribal Chief Ross 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,” said Tribal Chief Garrow. “These are not small tasks, but challenges I’m ready to face head on.”
A special acknowledgment was given to former Tribal Chief Beverly Cook in appreciation of her 12 years of service and contributions during her time on the tribal council. All former SRMT Chiefs were also recognized for their leadership and commitment to public service over the years.
