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Andrew Philips photo

Wenhseriio (He Brings the Beautiful Day), left, and Tom (Walking onthe Clouds) Jacobs are Mohawk, but travelled to Christian Island

Saturday to remember their Ojibway friend Andrew Mixemong.

Andrew Philips photoBev and Wayne Mixemong have been deeply touched by the

outpouring of support their brothers death has brought.

By ANDREW PHILIPSSpecial 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 especiallysense of humour during a two-hour service that drew more than 700,

representing a wide-section of people from across North America, tothis Georgian Bay island.

Wayne Mixemong said his brother would have been taken aback by theamount of attention and sympathy his death has garnered.

Its really so beautiful and touching, he said. Its bringing our familyand 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 andRoyal 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 onthe 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 FirstNation, Andrew Mixemong is survived by his wife along with fivebrothers and four sisters.

Mixemong, who was president of the Georgian Bay Native FriendshipCentre, 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

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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 nameNeezhodah 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 throughouthis 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 goodfriend. He recalled Mixemongs strength and good humour throughout

a four-day and four-night fast the pair embarked on many years agowhile 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, shesaid.

Prior to the service, native elder Hector Copegog performed a smudgeceremony 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 toclean everything and have people of one mind. Cleansing the spirit

clears everything up.

Mixemong died July 6 at Georgian Bay General Hospital shortly afteran incident occurred outside a local eatery where he had gone to meethis 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 closedfor the day.Following a post mortem at the Chief Coroners office in Toronto earlier

in the week, Mixemongs body was returned to Christian Island wherehe grew up and much of his family still lives.

Throughout the week, a series of traditional native events took placeto honour Mixemong, including the lighting of a sacred fire that has

been burning since news of his death reached the tight-knit, native

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