(Kahnawake – 4 Onerahtohkó:wa/May 2026) The Kanatahkwèn:ke Committee, comprised of the Partnership of the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language & Cultural Center (KORLCC), Turtle Island Theatre, Kahnawà:ke Tourism and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke are proud to announce that the Capital Campaign has reached and surpassed its $16 million Campaign goal.
All partners involved are extremely proud and thankful that the capital campaign has exceeded its intended goal, with some donations to be given toward the operations and programming. This will help ensure that the building begins and continues to operate smoothly.
As a highlight of dedicated work, we give thanks to all key consultants involved – many of whom remain the reasons for the success; An honourable mention is Planit Consulting. A Kahnawà:ke company, who began working with the Committee and helped launch the Capital Campaign in 2020. Thanks to them and Global Philanthropic, we have raised a significant amount – bringing the Project to the finish line in achieving the final target.
“The team at PlanIt is incredibly proud of our contribution of raising $11 million toward the Kanatahkwèn:ke Cultural Arts Center. We are excited to see the meaningful work put into this project come to life under one roof, and the impact it will have on the community,” said the Team at Planit.
“We are deeply proud to celebrate this extraordinary milestone, exceeding our campaign target through the collective commitment of the donors, partners and the community. This building is more than a physical space—it embodies the strength, resilience, and generosity of Mohawk culture, shared openly with all,” said Chantal Lavoie, Senior Consultant.
The Partnership extends sincere appreciation to all donors from both within and outside our community. The substantial support from various organizations and philanthropists underscores their genuine commitment to the success of our language, cultural, and arts initiatives.
“I am proud to have made this dream a reality by significantly helping to raise $55 million for the new Cultural Center, Museum, and Theatre during my time as Portfolio Chief, Grand Chief, and now as a volunteer community member,” said Kahsennénhawe Sky-Deer, Capital Campaign Lead. “It was a labor of love spreading the word about the importance of this project and building support for it across Turtle Island.”
“At last a new home for language, culture and the arts is now complete, honoring the vision of past Elders and providing lasting benefits for future generations,” said Kawennanóron Lisa Phillips, Executive Director of KORLCC.
“What once was just a dream for us, is now reality and it’s all because our team stuck it out through everything thrown our way and believed that our language, culture, and the arts needed to stand at the forefront. I don’t know how we could truly show how thankful we are to all who supported us and helped make this possible, niawenhkó:wa,” said Jessica Hernandez, Turtle Island Theatre Board Member.
“The amount of support, dedication and pride we all have for this project has been the motivation for me, along with knowing that we were building something for us, by us and for the future. The legacy of community spirit, collaboration and teamwork will forever be a part of this space – a place for everyone, we could not have completed it without our supporters,” said Kimberly Cross Tourism Development Manager.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to see this building funding reach its goal. I started supporting this project as a community member and now as an elected chief, I get to see the completion. The efforts of the partnership have gone above and beyond for the capital campaign,” said Portfolio Chief Melanie Morrison.
“Achieving this for our community is beyond remarkable. It’s been a journey, learning how to fundraise at this level. We just jumped into it, not realizing the amount of time and work fundraising takes. This is a major legacy for all of us. I am so thankful to every donor,” said Trina C. Diabo, Strategist OCC.
The Kanatahkwèn:ke Committee and partners ask the community to stay tuned for our announcements on the Theatre seat sale and on our official Grand Opening plans.