MCK pleased with Montreal’s ‘Honoring the Clans’ project

11/25/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is pleased to acknowledge the launch of the “Lights on Peel: Honoring the Kanien’kehá:ka Clans” project in downtown Montreal.

The project was created by SDC Montréal Centre-Ville in collaboration with the MCK and the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language & Cultural Center (KORLCC), with support from the borough of Ville-Marie. The genesis of the project was the 2018 discovery of artifacts crafted by ancestral Iroquois discovered under the intersection of Peel and Sherbrooke Streets. As this took place as the City of Montreal began its Reconciliation efforts, it was deemed a natural opportunity to work directly with our community.

“The Lights on Peel Street is an impressive initiative that truly pays tribute to the heart of our society,” said Ietsénhaienhs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, the lead on the heritage Portfolio. “We feel that this is an excellent example of Montreal’s continuing commitment towards Reconciliation. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it happens to be located in the heart of downtown. Thousands of people can not only enjoy the lights, but take the opportunity presented to learn about our community, history and the origins of Rotinonshón:ni – the Clan System.”

As part of the project, the KORLCC commissioned four (4) related works of art from local artist Kyle Williams.

The Lights on Peel Street is scheduled to run until Sunday, February 15, 2021.

For more information:

Artwork: Kyle Williams: https://www.facebook.com/KyleKaientotonWilliamsArt
Montreal Event Page: https://www.montrealcentreville.ca/en/events/lights-on-peel-honoring-the-clans-of-the-kanienkehaka/