Mohawk Online Announces $5 Million Donation to the Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center

07/13/2022

Forwarded on behalf of Mohawk Online

Mohawk Online Limited (“Mohawk Online”), is pleased to announce that it will be making a donation of $5 million to the Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center (“KCAC”) Capital Campaign, which is working to raise $16 million toward the building’s estimated cost of $37 million.

“Mohawk Online Limited was created in 2015 as a socio-economic initiative, with a mandate to make donations to Kahnawà:ke-based organizations that benefit the Community; with a special emphasis on promoting Mohawk language, culture and traditions,” said Dean Montour, Mohawk Online’s CEO. “This project meets every aspect of our donation criteria and is a great example of how successful our community can be when we work together with a common goal.  The Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center is a historic ‘legacy’ project for our community, and we are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be the Lead Donor to start off the Capital Campaign”.

The KCAC is a long anticipated and much needed 4,800 sq. meter state of the art building to be located on Highway 132, adjacent to the Kahnawà:ke Survival School. It will be the permanent home of the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (“KORLCC”), Museum, Turtle Island Theatre, and a Tourism Visitors Center.

Kawennanóron Lisa Phillips, Executive Director of the KORLCC was excited to hear of Mohawk Online’s donation and stated, “On behalf of the KORLCC Board of Directors and Staff, niawenhkó:wa to Mohawk Online for their support as Lead Donor of the KCAC initiative. This project is achieving the dream of a new facility for language, culture and the arts in our community, and it is with great joy and gratitude that we acknowledge Mohawk Online’s support and commitment”.

Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs is a successful Mohawk actor currently starring in FX’s Reservation Dogs. She recently committed to help fundraise for the new building by taking on the role of Capital Campaign cabinet member. Upon learning the news of Mohawk Online’s contribution, Jacobs said, “This generous donation means so much. Beginning my acting career at the Turtle Island Theatre, it proved to be a vitally necessary resource in our community—not only for those interested in pursuing acting, but also as a creative outlet for all. The KCAC has the potential to shape our future generations with tools for creativity and access to our culture. This donation helps immensely in our efforts to make that happen.” 

Working behind the scenes to revive programming and prepare for the new theatre, the Turtle Island Theatre Board of Directors stated: “Turtle Island Theatre is beyond thrilled and extremely grateful to Mohawk Online for their substantial contribution. With this donation, we are one step closer to the goal we set nine years ago: establishing a permanent home for the performing arts in Kahnawà:ke. The arts are for everyone and the closure of Turtle Island Theatre was felt community-wide. Generous donations like this will ensure the performing arts will be accessible to community members of all ages for generations to come. Niawenhkó:wa Mohawk Online!".

About Mohawk Online

Mohawk Online is the operator of Sports Interaction in Canada (except Ontario), an online gaming site that offers sportsbook, casino, poker and fixed odds betting products, and is licensed and regulated by the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission and the Jersey Gambling Commission.

Mohawk Online is a socio-economic initiative wholly owned by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke on behalf of the community, and the revenue it generates is invested back into the local community.

For more information about Mohawk Online, please visit www.mohawkonline.ca. For more information about Sports Interaction, please visit www.sportsinteraction.com.

About the Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center
                       
The Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center is a community partnership between the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center, Kahnawà:ke Tourism, Turtle Island Theatre and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. This multi-purpose building will serve as a community hub where all will be welcome.

About PlanIt Consulting & Communications

PlanIt Consulting and Communications is a First Nations business that provides a wide range of services for special projects including non-profit management, fundraising, community engagement, surveys and event planning.