Joe Norton (politician)

Joe Norton (born April 25, 1949) is a Mohawk politician from Kahnawake, Quebec, Canada. He served as Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake for several terms, beginning in 1983.

Norton is a prominent figure in Indigenous politics in Canada. His leadership has focused on asserting Mohawk sovereignty, protecting Mohawk land and culture, and advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples. He has been involved in numerous negotiations with the federal and provincial governments regarding land claims, self-government, and other issues affecting the Kahnawake community.

During his tenure, Norton has addressed issues such as the Oka Crisis in 1990, which brought attention to land disputes between the Mohawk and the town of Oka. He played a key role in representing the Mohawk community's interests throughout the conflict.

Norton has been a vocal advocate for economic development within Kahnawake, promoting initiatives that aim to create jobs and improve the quality of life for community members. He has also been involved in efforts to preserve and promote the Mohawk language and culture.