Hundreds pay their respects to Andrew Mixemong

By Douglas Glynn Midland Free Press July 16, 2012 

CHRISTIAN ISLAND – Andrew Mixemong has gone home.

At sundown Saturday – following a mid-day Midewiwin-Christian ecumenical service and burial – his Spirit began the four-day journey to meet his ancestors.

It had been freed Friday night in a Midewiwin ceremony and given final instructions on the road to take.

The 59-year-old president of the Georgian Bay Native friendship Centre and first degree Three Fires Midewiwin was remembered for having lived a traditional way of life that included following the spiritual ways and teachings of the Ojibway, Odawa and Potawatomi.

More than 500 mourners attended the service conducted by Jim Dumont, a Three Fires Midewiwin Eastern Doorway Chief; Teresa Burnett-Cole, Pastoral Minister at Christian Island United Church and Father Bernard Carroll, of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and director of the Martyrs’ Shrine.

Dumont explained that Mixemong’s Spirit would not be starting its journey until sunset after the burial.

“He is standing here listening to us, looking back on his life before he goes home and saying to himself: ‘I made somebody happy’.”

Those who shared their memories of him recalled a gentle, kind, loving man, who brought healing and happiness to many; a man widely known for his ability to make people laugh.

Beausoleil First Nation Chief Roland (Roly) Monague said in an interview that Mixemong – whose life was cut short by a mindless act of violence – died “honourably”protecting his wife, Lorraine.

“He was taught that women are superior to so many things. No harm should come to women. He was doing what he was taught to do.

“He was a ogitchitaw (a helper of people – women, the elderly, the weak).

“It means you are the first person that stands up; the bravest person. You are going to challenge anything; you are not afraid of anything. You are the leader,” Monague said.

Midland Mayor Gordon McKay, who attended the service, said, “Andrew’s kindness, gentleness and friendship profoundly touched many in Midland. I will personally miss Andrew. We will honour him always.”

Andrew Mixemong is survived by his wife, Lorraine, five brothers and four sisters