Michael Kanatakeron Mitchell

Nedrow, NY --- Faithkeeper Michael Kanatakeron Mitchell of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation is known as one of the great builders in lacrosse history.

He has spent his life serving the game of lacrosse with a clarity of purpose that reflects the deepest intent of the Creator's Game. Coming from a lacrosse stick-making family, the soft-spoken leader has emphasized responsibility over recognition, community over self, and continuity over convenience---principles that mirror the original purpose of lacrosse as a ceremonial and spiritual practice.

Within the Mohawk Community of Akwesasne, he has served as Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. At the University level, he was the co-founder of the North American Indian Traveling College, along with elder Ernest Benedict. Mitchell also established the Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Mitchell has worked to ensure that the Haudenosaunee voice is not diluted in conversations about the game's future, consistently reminding audiences---both Indigenous and non-Indigenous---that lacrosse did not originate as a sport, but as a medicine and a means of strengthening nations. Mitchell has been associated with the Haudenosaunee Nationals program as a long time board member, contributing to its mission of representing Indigenous sovereignty on the world stage.

As a teacher of the game, Mitchell has guided players, from grassroots youth programs to elite senior level competition.

"Mike Mitchell has devoted his life to supporting Indigenous rights and honoring the deeper meaning of the medicine game," said Sid Jamieson, former head coach at Bucknell University. "He is the founder of the Traveling College, which educates people regarding the history, culture and ways of Haudenosaunee people from a Haudenosaunee person. His leadership in the Mohawk community is demonstrated by integrity throughout service."

With help from the Traveling College staff, he published two books on lacrosse. Tewaaraton - Lacrosse, and *Teiontsikwaeks - Lacrosse; The Creators Game. *

His thirty years as a First Nation representative to Lacrosse Canada, the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame have been recognized with Canada's highest individual lacrosse honor, "the Lester B. Parson Award," presented by Lacrosse Canada.

As a recipient of the Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award, Mike Mitchell is honored for a life lived in service to both people and game. Through Haudenosaunee leadership, cultural stewardship, and a deep familial commitment to lacrosse, he embodies the values Alfie Jacques stood for---integrity, humility, and an unwavering devotion to the sacred origins of the Creator's Game.

The 2026 Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award ceremony will be held in Syracuse, New York, on September 11. Visit www.alfieaward.com for more information.