AKWESASNE -- Beverly Pyke says she will run for Mohawk Council of Akwesasne grand chief in the June election.

The office is now held by Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell.

The council represents the so-called Canadian side of the trans-national Akwesasne territory.

Pyke released the following statement on Friday:

“This is my official announcement that I intend to run for the position of Grand Chief in the upcoming election in June 2015 for the territory of Akwesasne.

I have been asked by many people both on and off of the territory to run for this position. It has been after much careful thought and deliberation that I have made this decision.

For the past several years I have questioned many of the current council's decisions, and there has been no change in their viewpoints or modis operandi in dealing with the people that they represent.

The council should be listening to the people over their concerns and not making decisions and then going back to the people with their resolutions.

There has not been a general meeting for several months and I feel that the communication should be there with the people. District meetings are sparsely attended. How can this be rectified?

I attend the city of Cornwall's meetings. They are televised and the media are present to record the motions that are presented.

Does the Mohawk Council permit the public to attend their weekly meetings and/or are the local media allowed to attend? Would this not make council more transparent?

Laws are trying to be passed that lead towards self-governance. Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is not ready for self-governance. Everyone including the council must understand all of the implications of the laws that are being proposed as well as the ramifications.

For the above reasons and my concern for the community and my family, I am running for the position of Grand Chief in June of 2015.”