Woodland Cultural Centre Launches Fundraising Campaign for Support in Operational Costs of Mohawk Institute Restoration Project

Woodland Cultural Centre is thrilled to participate in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge in the hopes of winning one of the grand prizes of $10,000 towards our mission. WCC is aiming to secure funding support needed for the restoration project of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. The vision is to turn the building into an Interpretive Historic Site and Educational Resource, shedding light on a significant chapter in Canadian history.

Credit Canada. Dept. of Interior Library and Archives Canada

As one of the few remaining Residential School buildings within Canada and the sole survivor in Ontario offering guided tours until undergoing closure for refurbishment, the Mohawk Institute stands as a living testament to the tragic legacy of the residential school system in the country.

In partnership with the Great Canadian Giving Challenge, a month-long fundraising initiative held each June, Woodland Cultural Centre invites donors to contribute through CanadaHelps.org or CanadaHelps fundraising tools. Every donation made in June serves as an entry for WCC to win one of two $10,000 prizes.

Marking decades of resilience, the former Mohawk Institute will emerge as a platform for truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation, commemorating the resilience of Indigenous children who endured the residential school system. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing historical exhibitions, community engagement, and educational programming, Woodland Cultural Centre stands at the forefront of promoting Indigenous culture and fostering understanding among diverse communities.

As the Woodland Cultural Centre strives towards a Spring 2025 public reopening, our operational budget has faced some unforeseen financial hurdles necessitating communal support. Despite weathering setbacks from the pandemic, inflation, and logistics issues, significant progress has been made in critical endeavors such as elevator installation, masonry repairs, and accessibility ramp enhancements. The support of our giving community is vital for the future of the Cultural Centre.

This June, support the Woodland Cultural Centre in the #GivingChallengeCA so we can continue to share these truths and realize the shared vision of revitalizing this historic landmark as a testament to this dark chapter in history.

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