Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell facts for kids

Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell is a respected Mohawk leader from Canada. He has been a politician for many years. He was also one of the first First Nations film directors. Mike Mitchell is also very important in the sport of lacrosse for First Nations people.

He first joined the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne in 1982. He became their Grand Chief in 1984. He worked on the Mohawk Council for over 30 years. He was even re-elected as Grand Chief in 2012.

Before becoming a politician, Mike Mitchell studied and directed films. He worked with the National Film Board of Canada as part of their Indian Film Crew. He helped with a program called "Challenge for Change." This program got him involved in a border crossing issue.

His films include the documentary You Are on Indian Land (1969). This movie was about a border dispute in Akwesasne in 1969. Mike Mitchell was a student then. He worked with a staff member from the National Film Board. He later received credit as the director almost 50 years after the film was finished.

Mitchell said that making You Are on Indian Land mixed filmmaking with politics. He was filming meetings but also asking questions and sharing his own ideas. He soon became known as a spokesperson for his community. They asked him to join a group going to Ottawa. He felt he was doing both jobs at the same time.

Films and Cultural Work

Mike Mitchell directed more films about First Nations issues at the National Film Board. After that, he worked with the North American Indian Traveling College. This place is now called the Ronathahonni Cultural Centre. They built a copy of a traditional Mohawk village on Cornwall Island.

He also created educational materials and videos. These helped to share knowledge about Native culture.

In 2017, Mike Mitchell was honored at a special film screening. This event took place at TIFF Bell Lightbox. He said he had retired from politics after three decades. He plans to start making films again.

In 2016, Mike Mitchell won an Indspire Award. This award recognized his long career in politics.

Lacrosse Achievements

Mike Mitchell grew up in a family that loved lacrosse. He played in the St. Regis, Cornwall Island, and Cornwall Minor Lacrosse systems. These are in eastern Ontario and western Quebec.

Reviving Lacrosse

Mitchell helped bring back the Akwesasne Minor Lacrosse Association. This allowed local Mohawk teams to play in the Ontario Minor Lacrosse Association again. He also started the Iroquois Lacrosse Association. In 1993, Mitchell joined the Board of Directors for the Canadian Lacrosse Association.

In 2003, he was added to the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame. He was recognized as a "Special Contributor" to the sport. In 2014, he received the Lester B. Pearson Award from the Canadian Lacrosse Association. This award was for his work as a leader, helper, supporter, and strong promoter of lacrosse.