Michael K. Mitchell

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Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell has served as Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne for going on twenty years, from 1984 to 2002 and from 2009 to present. He was first elected in 1982 as a District Chief to the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne representing Cornwall Island (he also served in that capacity from 2003 to 2006). One of the most respected First Nations leaders in Canada, he was born in Akwesasne and is fluent in the Mohawk language. He has successfully applied traditional diplomatic skills in addressing the governance and development challenges facing Akwesasne and other First Nations. His vision to help restore the independence of the Mohawk people of Akwesasne draws from both traditional Haudenosaunee governance and modern democratic systems of governance. Prior to his ascent to District Chief and then Grand Chief, Mitchell worked as an Ironworker (Local 440), a filmmaker, and as Director of Cultural Education for the North American Indian Traveling College. 
Resources: 

Michael K. Mitchell: Perspectives on Leadership and Nation Building
      
Michael K. Mitchell: Perspectives on Leadership and Nation Building
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Michael K. Mitchell discusses the Akwesasne Mohawk's effort to regain control over their own affairs, and offers his advice to leaders who are working to regain jurisdiction over their lands and resources as well as rebuild their nations.
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Michael K. Mitchell: What I Wish I Knew Before I Took Office
      
Michael K. Mitchell: What I Wish I Knew Before I Took Office
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Grand Chief Michael K. Mitchell reflects on his role as a modern elected leader of his nation. Mitchell encourages small changes in terminology and ideology that in turn will change the community's mindset about nation rebuilding and what is possible.
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Michael K. Mitchell: The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
      
Michael K. Mitchell: A History of the Akwesasne Mohawk
Grand Chief Michael Mitchell of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne offers students a broad overview of the governance history of the Akwesasne Mohawk and the efforts his people have made during his time in office to exercise true self-governance and rebuild their nation.
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NNI Indigenous Leadership Fellow: Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell (Part 1)
      
NNI Indigenous Leadership Fellow: Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell (Part 1)
Grand Chief Michael Mitchell of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne provides an overview of the nation-building work his nation has engaged in over the past four decades, from its decision to move away from the Indian Act to its systematic development of capable governing institutions designed to...
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NNI Indigenous Leadership Fellow: Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell (Part 2)
      
NNI Indigenous Leadership Fellow: Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell (Part 2)
In part two of his Indigenous Leadership Fellow interview, Grand Chief Michael Mitchell of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne touches on a wide range of nation-building topics, notably the importance of clearly defining the distinct roles and responsibilities of leaders and administrators working on...
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