Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Roger Mitchell sings a song that he wrote for his brother Russell "Hoss" Mitchell about ten years ago, called 'Flying High' while his sister Becky cuts a birthday cake made for Russell, since it is his day of birth. It looks like a big birthday celebration, but it was a night to lay Russell, who died ten years ago, to rest while raising funds for the AMBE hot lunch program. The River Mohawk Band provided music, food was in abundance and many awesome baskets were raffled off to lucky winners. The last Russell "Hoss" Mitchell Memorial Dance took place on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Brass Horse Grill.

Russell, a drummer, along with his brother Roger Mitchell and Eddie Lawrence are the original members of the River Mohawk band. When Russell died the decision was made to keep the band going; so another drummer was found. The band felt that since the community had come together to help out during Russell's benefit when he was ill, it would like to give back. The decision was made to create an annual event where any organization could apply to have money raised for their cause. The band would donate its talent and time, a venue would house the event for free, the organization would plan and run the event with all the proceeds given to the organization.

The Mitchell Family: Front l-r, Rosie, Winifred, Lindsey. Back l-r: Roger, Becky, Romaine, Sam

Ten organizations were the recipients of the community's generosity over the past ten years. Representatives of the organizations were on hand to be acknowledged, Chris Adams from the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, Michelle Laffin from the Snye Homemakers, The Akwesasne Cancer Support Group, Missy King Conners from Native Connections Detox Centre, Heather Garrow from Diabetes Center for Excellence, Jeannine and Cathy from the Snye Winter carnival, Sally Ann, St. Regis Church and the AMBE hot lunch program.

Members of the Mitchell family were in attendance including Russell's mother, Winifred and his daughters Lindsey and Sam. The Mitchell family decided that these events would be done under Russell's name for ten years. It doesn't mean that the benefits will end, Russell's name just won't be attached to them. "It's hard to believe that it's been ten years since the family had made the decision to say good bye to Russell" commented Becky. "He is now with dad and time to let him rest".

The Mitchell family would like to thank the Brass Horse Grill and the American Legion for hosting the special gatherings as well as the community for its generosity and support over the years.