Stories that inspire

The Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (KORLCC) was founded in 1978 in Kahnawà:ke with the aim of preserving and enriching the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) culture and language through cultural and educational activities. In particular, it offers exhibitions, workshops, and events open to all, a televised puppet show for young children, a library and a language immersion program. The Center is also working to collect, preserve and share the oral history of beadwork, as well as the photographic history of the Kanien’kehá:ka community.

Oherókon Kahnawake and the Kanien’kéha Talk Show

Over the last few years, the Foundation of Greater Montréal has supported some of the many projects the KORLCC has undertaken. In 2018 and 2019, FGM’s Community Initiatives Program supported Oherókon Kahnawake, which offers traditional activities and Talking Circles to adolescent girls. Participation in Oherókon Kahnawake constitutes a rite of passage which enables girls to develop self-confidence, and confidence in their identities, as well as their knowledge and their understanding of their responsibilities toward the community. Oherókon Kahnawake also establishes connections between their traditions and contemporary society. In 2018 alone, about 30 activities were organized, and brought together small, intimate groups for certain topics, or groups up to 40 young girls for other activities.

In 2018, FGM also supported KORLCC’s radio program. Kanien’kéha Talk Show is broadcast live every Wednesday at 1 p.m., then put online the following Monday, for those who want to listen via the internet or download the program and listen offline. Playlists that include the music broadcast on the show, or the stories recounted, are also created.

Keep going despite the pandemic

Currently, the KORLCC continues to run its programs, albeit remotely, and different than years past. Oherókon put together Moon Ceremony workshops through Zoom and will be fasting a young lady in June. The Kanien’kéha Talk Show with Joe and Leo runs live weekly, however, due to the ages of the hosts – as Elders they are both in their 80s – two of the Kanien’kéha Ratiwennahnírats Instructors have stepped in as temporary hosts until the COVID-19 pandemic directives allow for Elders to return on-site and on-air. As a result of the pandemic, most events have been adapted to a virtual setting utilizing Zoom to bring language and culture content to the youth of Kahnawà:ke. Some of these events included cultural workshops such as ceremonial teachings, crafting/beadwork and leisure activities like fishing and wilderness workshops. The KORLCC is happy to continue to provide this programming opportunity to the youth of Kahnawà:ke.