The former Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ontario, is set to debut as a museum open to the public this autumn, marking a significant moment in its history. This transformation has been a long-standing effort by the Woodland Cultural Centre, and it will officially open on September 30, coinciding with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Heather George, the executive director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, emphasized the importance of showcasing the lives and stories of children affected by residential schools, highlighting the community’s dedication to preserving language and culture.
In addition to this milestone, the Woodland Cultural Centre has a lineup of activities planned for National Indigenous Peoples Day, including the launch of Canada’s longest-running contemporary Indigenous art show. The exhibition will be housed in the center’s gallery adjacent to the Mohawk Institute building, offering visitors a blend of uplifting and challenging narratives, as George explained.
Established in 1828 as a day school for boys before becoming a residential school in 1834, the Mohawk Institute holds a significant place in Canadian history as the longest-running institution of its kind. The closure of the school in 1970 followed the enrollment of approximately 15,000 children from over 60 communities across the country, with at least 105 recorded deaths during that time.
The residential school system forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families, resulting in the loss of cultural ties and traditions. The enduring legacy includes reports of severe abuse suffered by children at institutions like the Mohawk Institute.
The Woodland Cultural Centre, founded two years after the Mohawk Institute’s closure, has been dedicated to educating the public about the residential school’s history through artifact collection and survivor testimonies. Extensive renovations to the building were made possible through a combination of government funding and private donations, culminating in its scheduled operational hours from Tuesday to Sunday starting this fall.
Plans are also in motion for a new cultural center on the premises, serving as a hub for performance arts and community engagement. The fundraising campaign for this project, totaling $3.5 million, received support from the family of the late musician Robbie Robertson. Community feedback is being sought to shape the new space, although the groundbreaking is still a few years away.
Woodland’s mission of preserving Indigenous language, culture, and art aligns with its commitment to celebrating heritage and resisting cultural erasure. Events scheduled for National Indigenous Peoples Day will offer opportunities for the community to engage with Indigenous artists and traditions, emphasizing the importance of cultural appreciation and mutual understanding.
Notable singer-songwriter Lacey Hill, a member of the Oneida Wolf Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River, emphasized the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of historical trauma and ongoing challenges. Hill’s support for preserving the Mohawk Institute as a museum reflects a desire to honor the past while encouraging present and future generations to pursue their passions.
For National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Woodland Cultural Centre plans to host a range of activities, including art workshops and exhibitions, showcasing a diverse mix of emerging and established artists. The center’s doors will be open to the public free of charge, offering a platform for cultural exchange and storytelling.
As the community gathers to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Woodland Cultural Centre remains a beacon of resilience and cultural pride, fostering connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through art, education, and shared experiences.