Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity to recognize the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools and to honour the Survivors, their families and communities.

In Brantford, Woodland Cultural Centre operates a museum and gallery alongside the former Mohawk Institute Residential School and serves to preserve, promote, protect and celebrate Indigenous history, art, language and culture. On September 30, Woodland Cultural Centre will be hosting a number of virtual events that are open to the public. Pre-registration is required for these events.

Thanksgiving Address
Time: 9:30 a.m. (60 minutes)
Cost: $11.25 per participant (Age Category: Grade 4 and under)
The Thanksgiving Address is an integral part of Hodinohsho:ni culture. In Mohawk, it's translated to "The Words Before All Else" and no gathering would begin without first bringing all minds together to give thanks. In this workshop, children will be guided through the Thanksgiving Address with elder Tehahenteh Miller, and lead through a discussion on the importance of gratitude.
Register for the Thanksgiving Address - Public

Mohawk Institute Tour and Live Q&A
Time: 11:30 a.m. (90 minutes)
Cost: $11.25 per participant (Age Category: Grade 6 and up)
These sessions are not to be recorded. The tour is filmed and edited by “Thru the RedDoor”, former Education Tour Coordinator, Lorrie Gallant guides the viewer around the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. Lorrie provides the history of the institution 140 years of operation. Viewers will see the different rooms from the girls’ and boys’ dormitories, the cafeteria, laundry room, and other rooms throughout the building. Video includes interviews with five Survivors.
Register for the Mohawk Institute Virtual Tour and Q&A - Public

Truth and Reconciliation Workshop
Time: 2:00 p.m. (90 minutes)
Cost: $11.25 per participant (Age Category: Grade 9 and up)
The goal of the Truth & Reconciliation presentation is about raising awareness of the tragic history of the residential school system. It examines the history and policies that lead to the creation of the Residential Schools, their legacies, how they have impacted Indigenous people, and why truth and reconciliation is important.
Register for Public Truth and Reconciliation Workshop - Public

Woodland Cultural Centre’s Save the Evidence campaign aims to raise awareness and support for the restoration of the former residential school, and to develop the building into an Interpreted Historic Site and Educational Resource. As one of only a handful of residential school buildings left still standing in Canada, it is a physical reminder of the legacy of assimilation imposed upon Indigenous children in Canada.