Multi-million dollar funding announcement for new Kahnawake Cultural Center - Theatre project

03/28/2022

The Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Ratiotitióhkwa Language & Cultural Center (KORLCC) , the Turtle Island Theatre, Kahnawà:ke Tourism, and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke are pleased to announce a major agreement that will provide an exceptional funding boost for the new Cultural Center/Museum/Theatre building.

The announcement was made jointly today by Ohén:ton Í:iente ne Ratitsénhaienhs (Grand Chief) Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations close to the location where the new facility will be built.

Through the new Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities program, Crown-Indigenous Relations & Northern Affairs Canada is providing $16 million towards the construction of the multi-purpose building. This substantial funding allocation provides for approximately 50% of the current total of $32 Million required to complete the project, to which the remainder will be raised through a Capital Campaign currently underway by the partners of the project and PlanIt Consulting.

“Today’s announcement comes at a crucial time for our project,” said Sky-Deer who has strongly advocated for this project from the beginning. “We must acknowledge and thank Canada for accepting our proposal in such a timely manner, and for Minister Miller for making the announcement here in Kahnawà:ke. This project is one of the most important we’ll see in our lifetime, as it will provide a proper home for language, cultural and artistic activities – a safe place for all who visit.”

“We’re very excited,” stated Kawennanó:ron Lisa Phillips, KORLCC Executive Director. “After so many years of hard work, this funding provides the opportunity to propel our project forward. The realization of a new facility for language and culture has become a reality, and I think of the Elders who have passed who shared in this dream, and of the generations to come who will benefit and enjoy this space."

“I would like to acknowledge Kahnawa’kehró:non for their work in addressing racism and separation from culture, as well as empowering new generations of Kanien′kéha speakers,” stated the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations. “I am happy that this new centre will help Kahnawà:ke to achieve its goals for the preservation, revitalization and teaching of the Kanien′kéha, culture and history.”

The community will be informed and updated on the status of this important project on an on-going basis.