AKWESASNE — On Thursday, Kentenhkó:wa/November 08, 2018; family members of Kenny Leaf presented the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police with a plaque for the assistance the department provided earlier this year. For 166 days, the tribal police assisted the Leaf family, friends, community members and other first responders in locating Kenny following his disappearance on Tsiothohrkó:wa/January 12, 2018.
“Words cannot describe the feeling a family is left with when a loved one goes missing,” said Chief of Police Matthew Rourke. “Helping in the search was the right thing to do and we appreciate the recognition, but our work is not over until justice helps bring closure to Kenny’s family.”
On Kenténha/October 28, 2018; the family of Kenny Leaf held a breakfast at the Kawehno:ke Recreation Center to recognize and express appreciation to all the first responders and other volunteers who contributed to the search effort. Some of the agencies that participated in the search include the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services, Sûreté du Québec, Ontario Provincial Police, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department.
In presenting the plaque to the Tribal Police, Jennifer Leaf shared that, “We are a large family, but we couldn’t have been reunited with Kenny without you. Pain was felt throughout the community by his loss, but bringing him home has helped start the healing process.”
Jennifer and Kenny’s daughter Candy and 16-month old granddaughter Frankie Valentine Phillips helped place the plaque on the wall of the Tribal Police Department’s Waiting Room — inscribed with the words “In acknowledgment of appreciation for their commitment and dedication in bringing Kenny Leaf home.”
On October 28th, Jennifer Leaf shared the following remarks to all first responders that assisted in reuniting Kenny with his family:
“January 12, 2018 – at that time we didn’t know how important or special that day would be – that was the last day our family spoke with Kenny. For the next 166 days, our community came together and supported us in so many ways.
Our fire departments spent countless days in the extreme cold and then extreme heat looking for Kenny. We are so very appreciative of the time you took away from your families and your work to help bring peace to our family. Your dedication to Akwesasne is boundless and today we want to acknowledge all of our fire fighters.
Our two police departments worked tirelessly to search and to follow-up on tips. Your determination brought our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend home to be laid to rest at home and bring peace to our hearts. There are no words that could ever describe how grateful we are – Nia:wen.
To the SQ who sent in helicopters, dive search teams and completed grid searches; your expertise, time and efforts did not go unnoticed. Thank you. Mercie beaucoup, tout la monde.
To the OPP, who aided in our searches, ground searches and cadaver unit; the determination, commitment and collaboration finally, after what to us seemed like forever, brought our Kenny home. We are forever grateful to you an all you have done.
To our community; so strong, so beautiful; thank you for standing with us, supporting us in so many ways – helping us search, donating to help with fundraisers, calling in and sharing any information that would be helpful. Your kind words and love was and continues to be felt by us all.
Nia:wen.”
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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.