Honouring the Past, Investing in the Future: Support Woodland Cultural Centre this GivingTuesday

Press Release

As we approach the holiday season, we need your help to make a real difference this GivingTuesday, December 2nd. This year, we’re launching our “Honouring the Past, Investing in the Future” campaign with a goal of raising $20,000 to support the vital work of the Woodland Cultural Centre and ensure its continued success as a center of Indigenous culture, education, and healing.

For over 50 years, the Woodland Cultural Centre has been a cornerstone of the Hodinohsho:ni community and a vital resource for all those seeking to learn about Indigenous languages, cultures, art, and history. We’ve strived to fulfill our mission to protect, promote, interpret, and present the Hodinohsho:ni worldview.

Recently, we’ve taken a significant step towards truth and reconciliation with the opening of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School as an interpreted historic site. This allows us to share the stories of Survivors and educate the public about the devastating legacy of residential schools. However, this expansion has also increased our operational costs.

That’s why we need your help this GivingTuesday – and your donation will go even further!

We are thrilled to announce that for the fifth time, we are being supported by The Dufresne-Ray Family Fund at Hamilton Community Foundation. The Foundation has generously pledged to match the first $5,000 of donations received on GivingTuesday, effectively doubling your impact.

Your support will enable us to:

• Preserve and protect Indigenous language, culture, art, and historical documents for generations to come.
• Provide educational programs that foster understanding and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
• Support Indigenous artists and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.
• Maintain the Mohawk Institute Site of Conscience, ensuring a safe and meaningful space for Survivors to share their stories and for visitors to learn about the history of residential schools.

What is GivingTuesday?

GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. It’s now evolved into a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. Their global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.

How You Can Make a Difference:

This GivingTuesday, December 2nd, you can help us honour the past and invest in the future by:

• Making a donation: Visit our GivingTuesday donation page to make a secure online contribution. Remember, the first $5,000 in donations will be matched by The Dufresne-Ray Family Fund, doubling your impact!
• Spreading the word: Share our campaign on social media using the hashtags #GivingTuesday, #WoodlandCulturalCentre, #MohawkInstitute, #SaveTheEvidence, #IndigenousCulture, #TruthAndReconciliation and encourage your friends and family to support our mission.
• Learning more: Visit our website to learn more about the Woodland Cultural Centre and our programs.

We believe that by working together, we can create a future where Indigenous culture thrives and the stories of the past are never forgotten. Thank you for your continued support.

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