Is it normal to remove your shoes and bow or kneel in front of a Mohawk chief?

I had a meeting with a 27 year old male Mohawk chief scheduled for earlier this week, but it was postponed, allowing me to get more information on what his personal istant meant when he said that I would have to show reverence and "full respect" for the young chief, when I meet him for my university research project. I am meeting him in his office on a reserve close to where I live, and I was told that I would have to remove my shoes immediately after entering the building, as well as bow and kneel when I introduce myself. I find all of this a little awkward, especially since the chief is actually around my age: I have to take my shoes off and kneel in front of someone who isn't even older than me??? I do have to get this research project done, so maybe I have no choice, but am I right to feel a little humiliated? And it doesn't seem fair that I have to walk around in my socks--should I just bring an extra pair of shoes for indoors.