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The Woodland Cultural Centre is officially unveiling the former Mohawk Institute Residential School as an Interpretive Historic Site. The opening will take place on September 30, 2025, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, marking a significant step toward truth-telling, education, remembrance, and reconciliation. More details about the official unveiling can be found here.
The former Mohawk Institute, also known as “The Mush Hole,” was the oldest and longest-running residential school in Canada. From 1828 to 1970, it operated as a key part of a system that profoundly impacted Indigenous communities, separating children from their families and cultures. The Woodland Cultural Centre is committed to ensuring the stories and experiences of Survivors are shared and understood, contributing to a more just and equitable future.
On September 30, 2025, the Mohawk Institute will reopen as an Interpretive Historic Site and Educational Resource dedicated to:
- Truth-Telling: Sharing the authentic history of the residential school system in Canada and the experiences of Survivors.
- Remembrance: Honouring the lives and legacies of all those affected by the Mohawk Institute and other residential schools.
- Education: Providing opportunities for visitors to learn about Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives.
- Reconciliation: Fostering dialogue, understanding, and action toward a more just and equitable relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Following the 2013 community support to transform the former Mohawk Institute, the Woodland Cultural Centre began restoration in 2016 after structural assessments estimated renovation costs at over $23 million. The work included multiple phases of restoration, addressing the roof, masonry, windows, and accessibility.
To date, the “Save the Evidence” campaign has raised over $26 million and has benefited from federal, provincial, and municipal government funding, private donations, and community-led initiatives. In March 2022, the Woodland Cultural Centre announced they had successfully raised the funds needed to restore the former Mohawk Institute building.
How to Participate
- Attend the Official Unveiling: Join the Woodland Cultural Centre on September 30, 2025, for the grand reopening of the Mohawk Institute Residential School from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To manage capacity and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, they will be using timed entry for this event. Entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis, as there is no pre-registration for the event. Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. to begin bracelet distribution for time slot admissions. More details here.
- Support the Woodland Cultural Centre: Donations to WCC will help sustain programming and educational initiatives. Visit woodlandculturalcentre.ca/support/donate/ to contribute.
- Share: Follow the campaign on social media using #SharetheEvidence, and share your commitment to truth and reconciliation.
- Visit and Learn: Plan your trip to the Mohawk Institute anytime after our grand opening on September 30 and explore this important historic site.
About the Woodland Cultural Centre
The Woodland Cultural Centre is a First Nations educational and cultural centre that serves to preserve and promote Indigenous languages, cultures, art, and history. Located on the site of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, the WCC strives to be a leading destination for cultural learning and understanding.
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