12/20/23

Media Release: Construction to Begin on Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre Spring 2024

(TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY, Dec. 19, 2023) Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO) will commence construction on its new school and cultural centre in the early spring of 2024, no later than Apr. 1.

TTO’s building committee and board of directors recently awarded the contract to build the Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. The contract was awarded to Niagara Falls-based NIACON following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with the start of construction of our new school and cultural centre,” said Callie Hill, Executive Director of Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre. “Our vision extends beyond bricks and mortar – it is about creating a dynamic space that cultivates knowledge, celebrates culture, and builds community for generations to come. Thank you to all who have journeyed with us and continue to do so.”

The Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre will be located at 39 Salmon River Road within Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory on land provided by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. Designs were completed by Brook McIlroy’s Indigenous Design Studio, and the project will be managed by Dr. Daniel Brant of Daniel J. Brant & Associates, a Tyendinaga-based consulting business. Construction is estimated to be completed in fall 2025.

The Centre will provide educational and cultural programs for community members, non-Indigenous organizations and individuals who are interested in learning about Onkwehonwe’néha (Mohawk language, cultural values, and traditions) to support reconciliation. The new facility will include a teaching kitchen, an art studio, and a gathering space for up to 150 people for programs, events, celebrations, and ceremony. The building design meets the CAGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard by achieving zero operational carbon emissions and low embodied emissions in its construction.

The project is being majority funded through a $9.6 million contribution to this project, announced in June 2023, through the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB). An additional $1 million provided by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and community fundraising will address the remainder of the project cost. With construction costs having escalated since the project was first conceptualized, fundraising is underway to help cover the cost of landscaping, parking lots, furnishings, equipment, and internal fixtures.

TTO is a registered charity and donations towards the Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre are gratefully accepted via CanadaHelps.

Additional quotes

“We are so pleased to be a part of this historic and meaningful project. NIACON is committed to safety, sustainability and the well-being of all, and we feel privileged that we can play a part in helping TTO deliver on its vision for the Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre. We look forward to seeing this beautiful facility become a gift to both the community and the landscape.”

– Tim Krause, NIACON President

“I’m pleased to support this local project and help bring this much needed resource to life for all members of our community, present and future. We look forward to creating a lasting legacy and a welcoming space for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and those seeking to learn about our culture.”

-Daniel Brant, project manager

For more information, please contact:
Callie Hill
Executive Director, Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO)
[email protected]
613-970-3045

About Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na – www.tto-kenhteke.org
Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na believes the world is made better by Kanyen’kehà:ka culture, knowledge, and ways of knowing. Each day, we work to share and preserve our culture for generations to come, creating a better future for all. We welcome all to learn about our past, experience our present, and join in our bright future.

08/31/23

Media Release: Thirteen Students Enrol in Shatiwennakará:tats, a free Mohawk Immersion Program

07/20/2023

Join Our Board of Directors!

Interested candidates – Fill out the form below and return to TTO by email at [email protected] or 1658 York Road (Lower Level) Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, K0K1X0


Click Here to Download Form

04/21/23

Canada invests in a new Language and Cultural Centre on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY, ONJune 5, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous, Callie Hill, Executive Director of Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre, and Chief R. Donald Maracle, Elected Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, announced a federal investment of $9.6 million to support the construction of the Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

03/27/2023

A Path Forward

A Path Forward is a permanent and evolving multi-disciplinary physical and virtual art exhibit developed in partnership between Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, and Macaulay Heritage Park.

We are currently seeking Indigenous artists to contribute to this project!

December 17, 2021

Healing through Storytelling Short Film

This film was produced as part of the Healing through Storytelling project. The project offered mixed media art and writing workshops to residential school survivors, their families and their descendents with ties to Kenhtè:ke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory). The project also included research from May-August 2021 to identify those from Kenhtè:ke who attended the Mohawk Institute and Shingwauk Home.

September 1, 2021

Architect Selected – Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre

Tsi Tyonnhéht Onkwawén:na has selected Brooke-McIlroy’s Indigenous Design Studio to oversee construction for the the proposed Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre.

The Indigenous Design Studio is led by Principal Ryan Gorrie and comprised of Indigenous architects, landscape architects, and designers who provide full-scope architectural design services with an Indigenous perspective.

This is an important step forward in the construction of the KLCC and for language revitalization in our community. This dedicated, purpose-built facility will enhance the learning experience of all Kenhtekeró:non and ensure our children are raised as Kanyen’kehà:ka. Saving our language will only happen when we have rebuilt a complete language community.  Read more about the project.

May 3, 2021

1800s Video Series & Discussion Panel

Follow along with the “proceedings of an Indian Council held at the Mohawk Village Bay of Quinte on the difference existing among the Indians of that village.”
Then, join us on Wednesday May 19 from 6:30-8:00 PM for a panel discussion about the council. 

Video release schedule: May 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14 & 17
Watch on our website or on YouTube.

To register or submit questions for the virtual panel: [email protected]

March 1, 2021

A Longhouse for Birdhouse City

In collaboration with a very talented community member (who wishes to remain anonymous) we are excited to donate this Longhouse to the Birdhouse City birdhouse revitalization project.
Nyawen’kó:wa to our builder, we are very proud to offer such a beautiful representation to their project. You did a fantastic job! Kwah yoyánere!

September 1, 2020

Tsatéweyenst Skátne ne Tsítha / Learning with Tsítha

Learning With Tsítha is a site dedicated to helping Kanyen’kehá:ka children and their families learn Kanyen’kéha.

There are animated stories and word games that entertain and help children with word recognition, pronunciation, grammar, spelling and math. LWT is designed for children and their families so, it works best when someone older uses the site with young ones.

We hope Learning With Tsítha helps your family find lifelong learning and enjoyment in our Kanyen’kehá:ka language and culture.