Bring the Building to Life!
Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center Capital Campaign
Museum - Language - Art - Theatre - Education
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The Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center Capital Campaign is a 16 million dollar fundraising campaign to construct a new facility for the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (KORLCC), Turtle Island Theatre and a Tourism Visitors Center.
A Community Partnership between KORLCC, Turtle Island Theatre, Kahnawà:ke Tourism and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke.
Watch the Campaign Video
Limited by an outgrown and deteriorating building, KORLCC identified the need for a new home base but did not have the resources to build. So, supported by the community, they entered into a partnership with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) and Turtle Island Theatre, to actively begin planning for the construction of a large-scale, multi-purpose building and auditorium that would serve as a community hub where all would be welcome.
As of June 2023, the former KORLCC building has been demolished.
NEW BUILDING AND SITE
The site is located just 10 minutes from downtown Montréal and is accessible from Highway 30. Sustainable technologies will be incorporated into the design of the 4,800-square meter building to be situated on three acres of land bordering Highway 132.
Every tree removed will be replaced; as much as possible, removed trees will be utilized in the building finishes and furnishings, or used as raw material in the production of traditional crafts and artifacts.
Architecture of the Cultural Arts Center will harmonize with the surrounding landscape, with materials being carefully selected to reflect connectivity with nature. Located adjacent to Kahnawà:ke Survival School, the new facility will enable expanded programs and workshops to enhance curriculum and provide students with volunteer opportunities. Special attention and care will be taken to integrate and preserve the delicate, natural balance of the surrounding ecosystem.
WELCOME
Wa’tkwanonhwerá:ton (Greetings),
It is with great pride and excitement that I bring forth to you – our friends, neighbors and supporters – the most ambitious and significant project that Kahnawà:ke has undertaken in our recent history.
The “return to our ways” is one of the most important priorities for our People. For over 40 years, Kahnawà:ke has taken on the challenge of bringing our ways back to the forefront of everyday life, where it has always belonged. History has shown that we, the Kanien’kehá:ka, have always resisted the campaign to assimilate us into the dominant society, but it has not been easy. The necessity of adapting to our surrounding realities in order to provide for our families, often relegated our language and culture to the backburner. By the middle of the 1970s, it was evident that we were in danger of losing our language, a foundation of our culture, completely.
In response to this realization, the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center was created in 1978, and continues to be at the center of what has become a resurgence of our identity. It is now time for the next step: a new project that will Celebrate our Nation’s history, art, music and language. The goal of this project is to build a state-of-the-art facility that will become a beacon of Onkwehonwe knowledge. All people will be welcome to visit as we believe the key to co-existence is gaining a meaningful understanding of each other.
As a people, we have so much to offer. We ask you to take a few moments to consider how your involvement will assist in providing the financial means to bring this project to fruition. Become an important partner as we collectively shift the paradigm of the true history and portrayal of Indigenous people BY Indigenous people. We look forward to building relationships built on trust and generosity. With your commitment and contribution, this vision can become a reality.
Ohén:ton Ne Ï:iente Ratitsénhaienhskenha
(Former Grand Chief)
Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Chairperson Kahnawà:ke
Cultural Center Arts Cabinet Campaign
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Language Revitalization
At the core of our vision is the revitalization of our language.
By establishing the Kahnawá:ke Cultural Arts Center, we will provide a nurturing environment for language learning.
Through immersive experiences and hands-on nature learning, the center will foster deep connection to our language
and ensure its preservation and flourishing for generations to come.
Cultural Development
Our center will serve as a beacon for cultural development, offering workshops in storytelling, songs, dances, and our cultural traditions.
From the art of basketry to the intricacy of beading, we aim to preserve and pass down our cultural art forms.
Through these courses, we empower individuals of all ages to embrace their heritage, express their creativity, and learn about our culture.
Museum
Our museum will showcase captivating ironwork exhibitions, longhouse living, the Deerfield Raid, and include a Warriors Gallery.
With daily guided tours, visitors will journey through time, gaining a deeper and more meaningful understanding of our past and the resilience of our people.
Performing Arts
Our center will nurture talents through a teen theatre club, improv classes, on-camera and audition-style workshops, live concerts, and engaging lectures.
We believe in fostering a thriving, Indigenous-led performing arts community that inspires, entertains, and educates everyone.
Education
The Kahnawá:ke Cultural Arts Center will be a leading destination for education enrichment in Kanienʼkehá꞉ka culture.
Students of all ages will have captivating field trips, engage with immersive films, attend thought-provoking lectures,
participate in symposiums, and experience demonstrations.
Our center aims to be a hub of knowledge, lifelong learning, and expanding horizons.
Museum
Amazingly, there is no existing museum and exhibits have been confined to a small and inadequate space, and only a limited portion of our historical items are currently on display.
To repatriate and exhibit our many priceless artifacts, a proper archaeology room is needed which will adhere to proper storage and ventilation standards for their long-term protection.
Turtle Island Theatre
After two decades of bringing joy and entertainment to the community by hosting quality shows in various rented halls, the volunteer-driven Turtle Island Theatre will finally have a venue to call home.
The non-profit theatre group will bring productions to life with the amenities of 12,650 square feet of space, featuring a stage, 200-seat theatre, back stage, green room, rehearsal hall and reception room.
Tourism
The Kahnawà:ke Tourism Welcome Center receives about 1,500 visitors per year. The new Cultural Arts Center will meet the high demand for school field trip activities and educational tours, and will welcome international visitors. The Echoes of a Proud Nation Powwow is held annually in the month of July, bringing in over 16,000 visitors to the event over a three-day weekend. The new Cultural Arts Center will allow for more attractions that feature traditional singing and dancing, which is a very popular Indigenous experience with tourists.
KORLCC
The mission of Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (KORLCC) is to lead and encourage our population to practice, maintain, respect, embrace and preserve Kanien’kéha language, beliefs, values, customs and traditions. In doing so, we will ensure the continued existence of our language while fostering awareness and pride in our heritage.
There can be no greater legacy to endow to future generations.
BRING THE BUILDING TO LIFE IN 2026!
Total costs to construct the multi-purpose facility are $55.746 million. The project has applied for grants which are contingent on the commitment of Kahnawà:ke to raise $16 million towards the project.
We are approximately $7 million away from achieving our goal. We respectfully ask you to take part in our initiative with a financial gift to our campaign.
For the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk, the Cultural Arts Center will have immeasurable worth. For years to come, it will serve as a gathering place to enrich our entire community and hold promise in knowing our ways will live on.
In a fast-changing world, not to act would risk losing our language and culture over time.
In this pivotal moment, your support will ensure that our people will be able to preserve traditional ways and allow our story to be heard around the world for generations
THE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER IS A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Partners
Campaign Cabinet
Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer (Mohawk)
Former Grand Chief
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke
Chairperson Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center Campaign Cabinet
Alysia Yip-Hoi Martin
Martin Family Initiative
Co-Chairperson Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center Campaign Cabinet
Severn Cullis-Suzuki
Executive Director
David Suzuki Foundation
Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (Mohawk)
Actor/Filmmaker
Donna McComber (Mohawk)
Owner, JFK Quarry
Frank McComber (Mohawk)
Owner, JFK Quarry
Ghislain Picard (Innu)
Chief
Assembly of First Nations of
Quebec-Labrador
Christopher Shannon
Head of School
Lower Canada College
Ana Marinescu
Entrepreneur
Senior Manager,
The Scotiabank Women Initiative
Jessica Pathy
CPA auditor, CA, Board director
Pierre Taillefer
Partner, BDO Canada
Maja Vodanovic
Mayor of the Borough Lachine
OUR SUPPORTERS
