Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell
Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell is one of the most respected First Nations leaders in North America.
Born in Akwesasne and raised by a traditional family, Kanentakeron had the benefit of a strong cultural and spiritual upbringing. Fluent in the Mohawk language, Kanentakeron has successfully applied traditional diplomatic skills in solving today’s challenges to First Nations on local, regional and national levels in all areas of development and renewal.
For three decades, Kanentakeron has served his people in a political capacity as Chief and Grand Chief in one of most volatile, yet progressive First Nations communities in Canada. His vision to help restore the independence of the Mohawk people of Akwesasne is based on applying the best of both Hotinonshonni philosophy and modern democratic government systems.
During the late sixties and early seventies, Kanentakeron was involved in the conquest to retrieve the Islands that were owned by the Mohawks of Akwesasne. However, at the time was leased out by the department of Indian Affairs, under a 999 year lease. The occupation leads to the tittle of the islands to be reverted back to the Akwesasne Mohawks.
In 1968, Kanentakeron organized an international bridge blockade that challenged Canada to restore the border crossing rights of First Nations under their inherent right and the Jay Treaty of 1794. Canada later dropped all charges and made special provisions for Akwesasne for tax free border crossing status.
During this time period there were ongoing skirmishes not just between Mohawks and Canada but between the elected system supporters and the traditional followers of the longhouse. At that time, Kanentakeron would be asked to get involved to the elective system of governance and initiate changes that would bring the power of decision making back to the community instead of Ottawa (Indian Affairs) making the decisions.
In 1982, Kanentakeron was elected as a District Chief to the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne representing Kahwenoke Island district. In 1984 he became the Grand Chief of MCA, then with a membership population of 10,000. He held the position until 2002 when he retired from 20 years in politics. In the summer of 2003, the community brought him out of retirement to again serve as District Chief of Cornwall Island for one more term; afterwards he resumed his position as Grand Chief until 2006, where the membership population had increased to 14,000. In 2009 Kanentakeron returned back to his position as Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and held this position until 2015, when he decided to take a break from politics, to devote more time on his book on Nation Building. In 2018 he began working for the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa acting as advisor to National Chief as well as resident Elder for the AFN national organization.
Michelle Kennedy - Curriculum Developer
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.
Mikayla Karonhianonha Francis - Expert Consultant & Producer
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 - Cultural Sensitivity Course Developer
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 J. Isaac - Research Graduate Student
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.