December Wind

We are Mohawk men. We walk the Red Road, the straight road.
We try to be kind and gentle to everyone we meet
and try to give thanks no matter what the pain.
We hope to reach people’s hearts with our simplicity.
Life is so beautiful when it is kept simple.

Atsiaktonkie (lead and background vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar)
Born into the Snipe Clan, Atsiaktonkie (pronounced Ah-jack-doon-gay) grew up in foster homes, spending most of his early life off the Akwesasne reservation. Although isolated from his Mohawk tribal culture, his mind was often filled with thoughts of his ancestors. As he puts it, "I knew very little of my people but my heart did." As he grew, he returned to the reservation and began to learn his traditional Mohawk ways again. It was around this time that he began to write the songs he had been hearing in his head for years. A self- taught guitarist, Atsiaktonkie has composed hundreds of songs to date. In December Wind he feels he has found the band he has been searching for a lifetime. "My ideas for (December Wind’s) music, I believe, come from the Creator. Every person, every situation in life has a song if I listen closely and feel it. It is a feeling that the Creator wants to be heard or that somebody needs to hear."

Terry Terrance (bass guitar, background vocals and calls)
Originally from Akwesasne and currently residing in Rochester, New York, Terry is a member of the Turtle Clan. Music began as a hobby for Terry but through December Wind, it has become his path in life. He hopes the message in their music can help, heal and inspire all peoples.

Randy Furnia (lead guitar, acoustic and electric rhythm guitars and background vocals)
A working musician for over 30 years, Randy started playing guitar at the age of 12. He believes that his musical talents have always been meant to touch other people and that he has finally reached this goal with December Wind.

Darman Terrance (drum kit and native drums)
Darman is a member of the Turtle Clan and his Mohawk name is Skahatowane. Born and raised on Akwesasne, Darman has played with many local bands but has found a musical home with December Wind. He lives through the music. "It is who we are", says Darman.

Donald A. Sharrow (electric and acoustic rhythm guitars, lead guitar and background vocals)
In Donald’s own words the goal of December Wind is "…to express the positive spirit towards mankind and our Creator." A Bear Clan member, Donald’s Mohawk name is Taholonhite. He has been playing for many years in many different types of bands and is also a working visual artist.

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