During his period in office, he was part of organized opposition to Grand Chief James Gabriel in 2003–2004.
He is strongly supportive of the Mohawk tradition of the council chiefs setting consensus for direction of the people.
The dissenters said that Gabriel had not consulted with them or the council on his decision to conduct a raid with the use of numerous police officers from other reserves and forces and suggested he was trying to secure too much private power.
[1] Harding was a key figure in Gabriel's eventual removal as grand chief by the tribal council.
[1] Harding and supporters opposed the appointment of an interim police chief, Ed Thompson.