A big funding announcement by the federal government will help more generations learn the mohawk language.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, was joined by Callie Hill, Executive Director of Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO) Language and Cultural Centre, and Chief R. Donald Maracle for the announcement of a federal investment of $9.6 million.
This will be going to support the construction of the Kenhtè:ke (Mohawk) Language and Cultural Centre on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
The Centre will provide educational and cultural programs for community members, non-Indigenous organizations and individuals who are interested in learning about Mohawk cultural values and traditions to support reconciliation.
“Through our early years and school immersion programs, children as young as age 3 and up to 10 are receiving instruction and care in their language, in their culture, and in an environment that cherishes and celebrates Onkwehonweneha, our ways of being in the world,” says Hill. “We are grateful for the support of the federal government as we prepare to move our programming out of a former day school location and into a purpose-built facility that can grow these important programs.”
Designed to achieve net-zero carbon performance, the building will use technologies such as solar panels and a geothermal ground source heat pump. This state-of-the-art sustainable building will be respectful and in harmony with its natural surroundings.
In line with the Kanyen’kehá:ka worldview to eliminate barriers to participation in all elements of daily life, the Centre will ensure that services and programs are accessible to all, in accordance with the highest accessibility standards and codes.
Chief Maracle says, “This is a very happy and exciting day for our community, and we thank the federal government for joining in support of this much needed new language and cultural centre. Our Kanyen’kéha (Mohawk Language) has been oppressed in our history by colonial government policy. We work daily to foster a healthy, sustainable Kanyen’kehá:ka community built on and united by our language, culture, traditions, knowledge, and history, and facilities like this one will be essential as we work to realize this vision. Language restoration is part of the path of reconciliation.”
