Andrew Philips photo Wenhseriio (He Brings the Beautiful Day), left, and Tom (Walking on the Clouds)

Jacobs are Mohawk, but travelled to Christian Island Saturday to remember their Ojibway friend Andrew Mixemong. Andrew Philips photo Bev and Wayne Mixemong have been deeply touched by the outpouring of support their brothers death has brought. By ANDREW PHILIPS Special to the Star CHRISTIAN ISLAND, ONT._ People from all walks of life gathered here Saturday to say goodbye to a true warrior known for his love, compassion and happiness. Andrew Mixemong, 59, who was beaten to death outside a Midland restaurant last week while defending his wife, was lovingly remembered for his generosity, goodwill, kindness and especially sense of humour during a two-hour service that drew more than 700, representing a wide-section of people from across North America, to this Georgian Bay island. Wayne Mixemong said his brother would have been taken aback by the amount of attention and sympathy his death has garnered. Its really so beautiful and touching, he said. Its bringing our family and friends together. I dont think my brother would want anyone feeling bitterness. The ecumenical service, which featured both traditional native and Christian elements, attracted military personnel, police, politicians and Royal Canadian Legion members to the islands recreation hall along with regular citizens and native peoples from as far away as Ohio, Wisconsin and the Northwest Territories, some wearing traditional dress. In our travels, I got to know Andrew very well, said Tom Walking on the Clouds Jacobs, a Mohawk originally from Akwesasne. I knew right away just from his smile, what kind of person he was. We had a damn, damn good time together. When I think of Andrew, tears are coming to me, but they are tears of joy. Originally from Christian Island and a member of the Beausoleil First Nation, Andrew Mixemong is survived by his wife along with five brothers and four sisters. Mixemong, who was president of the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre, touched many lives over his lifetime as was evidenced by the emotional outpouring at his funeral. Through songs, prayers and stories in both English and Mixemongs native Ojibway language, mourners recalled Mixemongs love of all

things and his helpful nature as a leader for both native and non-native peoples. Like many speakers, Beausoleil First Nation Chief Roland Monague said he will always remember Andrew Mixemongs love of life and laughter. Its hard to think about that today, Monague said, but he always was there to tell you a story and would always make you laugh. Traditional Ojibway-Anishinabe teacher Jim Dumont told the congregation Andrew Mixemong will be known by his spirit name Neezhodah as he enters the afterlife. Hes going back home, hes going back to the realm of the spirit, Dumont said. Over there, they only know him as Neezhodah. Finally, you have come home. Dumont said Mixemong proved to be an effective healer throughout his life. Laughter is the greatest healer you can give somebody. He brought a lot of healing to people through laughter. Neddrye Green travelled from Toronto to speak as a tribute to his good friend. He recalled Mixemongs strength and good humour throughout a four-day and four-night fast the pair embarked on many years ago while Bev Mixemong remembered her brothers gentleness and warm smile. I am so overwhelmed and I know my brother would have been so happy that he brought such a cross-section of people together, she said. Prior to the service, native elder Hector Copegog performed a smudge ceremony where mourners could be cleansed by being enveloped with a sage-based incense. Its a very important part of the service, Copegog explained. The smudge helps people in grief and sorrow. In our tradition, we want to clean everything and have people of one mind. Cleansing the spirit clears everything up. Mixemong died July 6 at Georgian Bay General Hospital shortly after an incident occurred outside a local eatery where he had gone to meet his wife who had just finished her shift. Police say they were dispatched to a disturbance outside the downtown Midland restaurant where a woman was apparently being harassed by two men upset they couldnt be served since it was closed for the day. Following a post mortem at the Chief Coroners office in Toronto earlier in the week, Mixemongs body was returned to Christian Island where he grew up and much of his family still lives. Throughout the week, a series of traditional native events took place to honour Mixemong, including the lighting of a sacred fire that has been burning since news of his death reached the tight-knit, native

community. Family and friends also held traditional feasts and a spirit-sending ceremony. Wayne Mixemong also recalled a special sensation he felt during a traditional smoke ceremony earlier in the week. His (Andrews) spirit was lifted. It was the most powerful experience Ive ever had in my life. The wind picked up, the barriers fell and the rainbows lit up the sky. People were crying, people were cheering. Midland Mayor Gord McKay said some in his Georgian Bay community have voiced concerns about personal safety since Mixemongs death. It will cause a bit of reflection in the town of Midland, McKay said. We have a safe community, but how could be make it safer. Added Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton: This has been a tragic week for Midland, the surrounding community and Beausoleil First Nation. Our communities have come together with increased generosity and strength. Jessy Richard Herlichka and Paul Thomas McClung, both 26 and from Midland with second-degree murder in connection to Mixemongs death. The pair will be back in court via video link to have their cases spoken to July 23. On July 19, they are due in court on a separate case involving drug-trafficking charges.