The Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO) community is preparing to open its new school and cultural center by the spring of 2026, with construction moving steadily.
Callie Hill, TTO CEO, shared with myFM the building is mostly complete. Drywall and paint are finished, windows and doors are installed, and flooring and electrical work are in progress. Landscaping and driveway paving have also begun.
The new building will include three main classrooms and two flexible spaces that can be used for teaching. An art studio will double as a classroom, and the community’s new radio station will soon have a home inside the building.
The community recently launched a full-time adult Mohawk language immersion program with 13 participants. This two-year program aims to create fluent speakers who can pass the language to future generations. Hill emphasized the importance of teaching the language at all ages. Children from preschool to grade six already take part in programming that teaches not only the language but also culture, values, and land stewardship.
An Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will fund outdoor projects to restore land, plant native milkweed, remove invasive species, and create gardens. The space will also host public workshops and be available for rentals, giving the community new opportunities to share knowledge and culture.
A grand opening is planned for March 2026, giving staff time to ensure everything runs smoothly before welcoming the public. The new school and cultural center mark a major step forward in keeping the Mohawk language and culture alive.
Written by Emily Chatwood
