New language centre in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory to bring adult and children’s classes under one roof [Video]

Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na, a language advocacy organization in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, hopes that by next September all of its Kanien’kéha (Mohawk language) classes will be being taught at a new language and cultural centre under construction.

Callie Hill, Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na director, said this project has been a long time coming.

“It’s always been a goal of ours to have our own building,” she said.

“We’ve lived in leased properties in the community. It’s still surreal to me to see the walls, to see the building [going] up.”

Language programming is currently housed in two different buildings within the territory. 

Totáhne (the early years program) and Kawenna’on:we (a primary immersion school for senior kindergarten to Grade 4) are in a one-room schoolhouse and former day school. Adult classes and administration are in the lower level of Tyendinaga’s public library.