Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, and Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer announced funding for the construction of a new cultural centre, museum and theatre. The funding provided through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program will help the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke establish this cultural space and multi-purpose building within their community. The new cultural centre will serve as a safe space for community members to share traditional knowledge and culture through a variety of programs, including language revitalization, where Mohawk language speakers will mentor new learners.

"This is another meaningful step in responding to the MMIWG Calls for Justice, which call upon all governments to prioritize safe and meaningful access to culture and languages for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Through the construction of a new cultural centre, museum and theatre, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke will create an inclusive and safe cultural space to continue the work of revitalizing language and culture for generations to come.”

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations

“Today’s announcement couldn’t have been more welcomed and better timed. We have been working very hard to see the realization of a much-needed new building to house our Language and Cultural Center, Museum and Theatre. This funding gives us the boost we need to move forward with the next steps towards creating this central location for language, history and cultural activities. We sincerely appreciate Canada’s contribution to this project, which we see as one of the most significant in recent history.”

Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke

• Through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program, Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is allocating $16 million to contribute to the construction of a new cultural centre, museum and theatre.

• The Government of Canada continues to work with provinces, territories, Indigenous organizations, families, Survivors and communities across the country to make progress on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan.

• The Federal Pathway is the Government of Canada’s contribution to the National Action Plan and outlines the Government of Canada’s efforts, now and in the future, to end gender-based violence and systemic racism responsible for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

• The National Action Plan was co-developed by:

  • the National Family and Survivor Circle;
  • representatives of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Indigenous grassroots organizations;
  • Indigenous, provincial and territorial governments; and
  • Indigenous urban and 2SLGBTQQIA+ leaders.

Associated links

• Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program
• Backgrounder: Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
• The Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
• Budget 2021
• 2021 MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people National Action Plan
• Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Contribution Program

For more information, media may contact:

Justine Leblanc
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
justine.leblanc@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Joe Delaronde
Political Press Attaché, Public Relations
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke
mckmedia@mck.ca
Phone: 450-632-7500

CIRNAC Media Relations:
Email: RCAANC.Media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
Phone: 819-934-2302

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