The Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkhwa Language & Cultural Center and its partners (‘The Building Committee’) are ecstatic to announce that Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS) has pledged $1M to help build the Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center and Museum (KCAC), a 4170 square meter facility that will serve as the permanent home for two of the community’s treasured organizations: the Kanien’kéha:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (KORLCC), and Turtle Island Theatre.
Construction of the new community building began in November 2023 adjacent to the Kahnawake Survival School on Highway 132. Delays caused by the pandemic led to numerous setbacks and doubled the forecasted project budget to its current cost of $56M.
Derek Montour, Executive Director of KSCS said, “The community has received funding through the Child and Family Services Program administered by Indigenous Services Canada. This funding is versatile, intended to support child, family, and community wellness. KSCS believes that the establishment of both a cultural center and an arts center is crucial for individual wellness, as well as for preserving our identity and enhancing mental health. We wholeheartedly endorse this project.”
Under the curatorship of the KORLCC, the museum will feature a model longhouse as a permanent exhibit, enveloped by a wide spiral ramp with multiple displays for artifacts and art. The Theatre, which doubles as a multi-purpose room for community functions, has a fully equipped stage with 170 retractable seats and a backstage area with dressing rooms. There is space for a Kahnawake Tourism kiosks to better serve the visitors.
Kawenniióstha Jacobs, KORLCC Chairperson said, “For far too long Kahnawà:ke has lacked a dedicated space that is designed specifically for language, culture, and the arts – up to now, it has always been about making-do with what resources were available and adapting. The new Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center and Museum (KCAC) will allow programs, ideas, and long held dreams to become a reality because they will now have their own space to grow in. Kahnawá:ke’s many dedicated language and cultural workers, our artists, artisans, and creatives have always deserved this space and KORLCC is very grateful to all those that came together to make it happen .”
The Project Team thanks Planit for facilitating this huge donation. For more information, please contact: Lisa Phillips, Executive Director of KORLCC at 450-638-0880 or Trina C. Diabo at the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake 450-632-7500.