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.
The Centre will provide educational and cultural programs for community members, non-Indigenous organizations and individuals who are interested in learning about 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 150 people for programs, events and celebrations.
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.
As a cultural feature of the community, the facility will also include enhanced accessibility by combining several programs currently administered in separate locations into one building. People of all ages and abilities will benefit from increased opportunities to learn the language, history and worldview of Kanyen'kehá:ka.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
