Meet our team

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Former Grand Chief Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell is from Akwesasne, a community uniquely located within the borders of New York, Ontario, and Quebec. Mike has dedicated his life to the empowerment of indigenous communities across North America, and contributed to many victories in the last three decades. 

Mike's contributions to Indigenous culture and society span beyond political reach with his film, You Are On Indian Land, 1969, directed by Mike Mitchell. Mike is also an avid lacrosse fan and is passionate about the growth of the sport, particularly within Indigenous communities given the cultural ties. 

Mike is an Emeritus member of the University of Arizona and has spoken for countless organizations, politicians, and esteemed universities across North America. His knowledge of politics and culture has been called upon by top institutions, including Harvard and McGill University. 

Mike's culmination of rich knowledge of Indigenous culture and politics has resulted in the creation of Ratiwennahawi; an outlet for one of the most respected Indigenous leaders to continue educating future generations, forever cementing his legacy. 

Michelle Kennedy is a member of Oneida of the Thames First Nation, raised in London, Ontario, Bear Clan. She currently resides in Tio’tia:ke where she works at McGill University as an assistant professor (CAS) in the Department of Integrated Studies and Education. She is a registered teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers, specializing in Junior-Intermediate Native Studies. In her Master’s degree, her research focused on Indigenous community leadership in the area of violence prevention of Indigenous women and girls. She is a PhD Candidate in Cultural Studies at Queen’s University, where her doctoral work focuses on Anishinaabe art creation, curation, and curriculum development. 

In addition to teaching at McGill University, Michelle has also taught undergraduate courses at Queen’s University and Laurentian University and has been an active contributor to advancing decolonizing curriculum by teaching courses like The (De)Colonial Struggle, Intermediate Native Studies, and Indigenous Ways of Learning. 

Karonhianonha (Guh- loon-hya-new-huh)  “She Protects the Skies” Francis , a Wolf Clan woman of the Kanienkehaka Nation, within the Hotinonshonni Confederacy. Raised in Akwesasne alongside her 7 siblings, Karonhianonha has been sharing her gifts within her community as a singer, cultural educator, film editor, and much more.  

Recently, her work as a cultural educator has led to great relationships with local museums, tourism agencies, Akwesasne Artisans, knowledge holders, and beyond. Her dedication and passions led her to work alongside Louise Wakerakas:te Herne, Condoled Bear Clan Mother towards the healing ways of women in her community and introducing families to traditional practices and teachings. 

In the past few years, Karonhianonha has also been gaining recognition for her singing voice as a Travel Troupe singer/dancer/presenter with The Native North American Travelling College sharing traditional social songs and dance. While also touring alongside inspirational Indigenous artists and expanding in her own original music. Her voice has been known to be shared at Moon lodge ceremonies for healing women and girls through traditional practices. She has echoed the streets of Ottawa at Parliament Hill for Remember Me Day of Truth and Reconciliation to honor the bloodlines lost and mourning. 

Both in front of the cameras and behind; her work in Indigenous storytelling through filmmaking to reporting live from Akwesasne TV has created a few highlights in Akwesasne. While away from the workplace, Karonhianonha has many personal accomplishments ranging from Women’s Box Lacrosse medals, skateboarding stories, to raising her toddler on tour. 

William Rosser is an experienced curriculum developer and instructional designer with over 10 years of experience in producing education programs globally. He currently serves as Curriculum Director for Rosser Education Solutions, spearheading customized course creation for PK-Adult schools and training programs. He has led the development of technology-enhanced curriculum and assessments in subjects including English, history, science, aviation, and engineering. His background spans designing for traditional, blended, and fully online learning environments. Notable projects include creating intercultural sensitivity training for humanitarian aid workers, an entrepreneurship course for business leaders in West Africa, and a conflict resolution program for Somali refugee schools.

With two advanced degrees in education, William is passionate about empowering students and making learning engaging across diverse settings. Through research-driven curriculum design, he aims to equip the next generation with knowledge and skills to thrive.

Brian is a proud Mi’gmaq from Listuguj. Brian has a double major in First Peoples Studies and Political Science. His current master’s research interests include critically analyzing Indigenous-settler relations within Machiavellian conceptualizations of political violence. Specifically the case of Mi’gmaq people and the public and political backlash resulting from misperceptions about fishing practices that has in recent years led to violent confrontations between native and non-native fishermen. 

His interests include salmon fishing, the Boston Bruins, studying, and being a host on a radio show for CKUT.