Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO) has officially opened the Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
“We were established 26 years ago by a group of community members concerned with the critical state of Mohawk language and culture in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory,” said Callie Hill, TTO’s CEO. “I know those individuals are smiling on us today, as we mark a major milestone in the recovery and revitalization of our language and culture through this exciting new space.”
The Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre is located at 39 Salmon River Road within Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory on land provided by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
Design development and construction administration were completed by Brook McIlroy’s Indigenous Design Studio, Niacon Ltd was the general contractor, and the project was managed by Dr. Daniel Brant of Daniel J. Brant & Associates, a Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory-based project management firm. The project was majority funded through a $9.6 million contribution, announced in June 2023, through the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
“We are proud to support the strengthening and growth of Mohawk language, culture, and history through new community infrastructure,” said Chris Malette, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte. “The Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory will provide community members with a safe and accessible space to connect with each other and learn more about the culture’s values and traditions for generations to come.
The Tyendinaga Mohawk Council, recognizing the importance of dedicated spaces, including classrooms of all types for Mohawk language learning to take place, also provided a $1 million contribution in 2021.
Additional contributions from the feasibility study to construction were made by the Ontario government through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program. The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grow Grant has provided three-year funding towards the restoration of the damaged lands around the facility as well as Mohawk language restoration.
“The Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre is a wonderful example of a true partnership between Mohawk peoples and both the federal and provincial government,” said Ric Bresee, MPP, Hastings—Lennox and Addington. “I am thrilled to see this project move forward, supporting the re-growth and rebuilding of the languages and culture that should never have been lost or minimized. Language and cultural programming for all people, young and old, will help move toward reconciliation. And while we sow the seeds of reconciliation, with the province’s participation, we will also see the restoration of the lands, and the amazing gardens all around the facility. I am excited to see the next stages in the development of this amazing project!”
The Centre will house the existing TTO language programs, and it will provide educational and cultural programs for community members, non-Indigenous organizations, and individuals who are interested in deepening their understanding of Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) cultural values and traditions to support reconciliation. It includes a teaching kitchen, an art studio, and a gathering space for up to 107 people for programs, events, and celebrations. Programming for school-aged children will relocate to the facility beginning in September 2026. In addition to the programming which will occur on-site at the Language and Culture Centre, TTO will also launch a CRTC-licensed radio station in the coming months.
