Tsi Niionkwarihò:ten Tsitewaháhara'n Center

Kanien'kéha Language and Culture Training Program

The Tsi Niionkwarihò:ten Tsitewaháhara’n Language and Culture Training Program was initiated in 2007, as a result of a number of events that occurred; 1) the passing of the Mohawk Language Law (1999); 2) the subsequent development of the Executive Director’s Committee Language Policy and Five Year Language and Training Plan (October 2006); 3) the draft MCK In-House Language Policy (May 2002); 4) KOR Proposed Framework for a Global Kanien’kéha Language and Cultural Training Implementation Plan (January 2007).

Since the program’s inception, it has grown and developed consistently within its mandate.  It has developed working relationships with a number of different clients and services within the community.   These relationships have provided the opportunity to expand, develop creative partnerships and program sharing initiatives.  Including most recently, a continued collaboration with the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (2014) to extend program seats to the community and the newly established Tewahará:tat Tsi Niionkwarihò:ten/Language and Culture Network (2017) consisting of several community organizations and programs working together on community language and culture revitalization projects.

Services
Each year, 20 students are offered the opportunity to participate in the MCK Five Year Language & Culture Training Program through the following avenues:  The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, the Executive Director’s Committee organizations and the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center.  The training program follows an academic year and consists of 35 weeks of both language and cultural instruction as follows:

• Weekly Kanien’kéha language classes beginning with basic vocabulary and phrases and progressing each year through curriculum created according to identified monthly topics. An online language learning software program is also used to support independent learning and reinforcement.  Extra-curricular language learning activities are offered periodically in addition to regular classes to encourage speaking in a natural environment.
• Cultural curriculum geared toward beginner level students with little or no previous knowledge. Each year consists of a Cultural Workshop Series beginning with the Creation Story and moving forward historically and culturally providing students with a base of understanding and confidence to practice our cultural traditions and incorporate into everyday life.

Kanien’kéha translation services are available as requested and as time permits within the everyday operations of the Tsi Niionkwarihò:ten Tsitewaháhara’n Center.  The training program also provides standardized language content within the organization in order to encourage usage amongst staff and within the services provided to the community.

Current Staff
General Manager - Chera Warisó:se Lahache
Kanien’kéha Language Instructor/Animator - Reynold Aronhiióstha Deer
Kanien’kéha/Cultural Officer - Konwatsi’tsá:wi Phillips
Kanien’kéha Cultural Facilitator - Darrell Shakowennáhawe Thompson
Program Assistant - Santana Katsi’tsanó:ron Deer