Kahnawà:ke Oral History Project secures $50,000 in funding to preserve community knowledge

Press Release

(Kahnawake – 25 Kentenhkó:wa/November 2025) The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK), in partnership with Know History and the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (KORLCC), is proud to announce a $50,000 funding contribution from the Anglican Church Reconciliation Land Tithe to support the next phase of the Kahnawà:ke Oral History Project.

Led by Kahnawà:ke scholar Dr. Gerald Taiaiake Alfred, the nine-month initiative will collect and preserve oral histories that reflect the lived experiences, cultural teachings, and perspectives of community members. Using the TheirStory platform, stories will be securely stored, searchable, and fully owned by Kahnawà:ke, with all processes guided by community protocols.

“This project is about honoring our elders, preserving our stories, and empowering future generations with the knowledge and strength rooted in Kahnawà:ke’s lived experiences,” said Dr. Gerald Taiaiake Alfred, Project Lead.

The project builds on the success of the 2022–2023 phase, which produced the film Resistance and Resilience: Stories and Remembrances of Our Elders. This next phase will enhance KORLCC’s programming capacity for the new museum and cultural center, providing youth with tools to strengthen their cultural identity and resilience.

The project will be based in Kahnawà:ke, with virtual coordination and remote post-production. It will unfold in four phases: Research and Planning, Training and Integration, Interviews, and a Community Presentation.

This initiative represents a meaningful step in preserving the cultural legacy of Kahnawà:ke and empowering future generations through the wisdom of their elders.

For further information on the project, please email gerald.alfred@mck.ca.

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Media Inquiries:
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