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

03/28/2022

The Kanien�keh�:ka Onkwaw�n:na Ratiotiti�hkwa Language & Cultural Center (KORLCC) , the Turtle Island Theatre, Kahnaw�:ke Tourism, and the Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�: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 Oh�n:ton �:iente ne Ratits�nhaienhs (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 Kahnaw�: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 Kawennan�: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�kehr�:non for their work in addressing racism and separation from culture, as well as empowering new generations of Kanien′k�ha speakers,� stated the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown�Indigenous Relations. �I am happy that this new centre will help Kahnaw�:ke to achieve its goals for the preservation, revitalization and teaching of the Kanien′k�ha, culture and history.�

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