Fundraiser To Help Rebuild Six Nations 17th Century Longhouse Replica Damaged By Fire

Two organizations in Six Nations of the Grand River have started a fundraiser with a $1 million goal to help replace a replica 17th-century longhouse badly damaged in a recent fire. The Ogwehoweh Skill and Trades Training Centre (OSTTC) and non-profit group Grand River Employment and Training (GREAT) started fundraising on CanadaHelps.org on Aug. 8^th. That’s nearly a week of running the fundraiser and they haven’t topped $900 yet. Which means it needs a lot more attention thrown their way.

From the fundraiser; Ogwehohweh Skills and Trades Training Centre Longhouse GANǪSA’Ǫ:WEH “Real/Original House” in Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’/Cayuga was envisioned by Kahyonhakta “By the River” as a place where the history and culture of the Haudneosaunee is accurately and appropriately represented. Providing cultural, social, educational, and economic benefits to the community of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.

Visitors from around the world have been able to take part in cultural teachings such as tea sampling, creating craftwork and educational site walks to identify Indigenous plants and medicines. Visitors could also participate in traditional games such as ding-ball, lacrosse, archery, and hoop game.

This amazing structure and symbol of education in their community was tragically engulfed in flames on Friday, July 22^nd 2022. They have created The Ęjidwa̱hsrǫ:ni:’ ‘We Will Build Again’ Fund campaign that will help them achieve their vision of rebuilding the longhouse and support their mission of cultural awareness.

The money from the fundraiser will go toward building materials, like birch bark, which need to be imported. The deadline for the fundraiser is in a year.

If you would like to help out you can donate at canadahelps.org. But if you don’t have money to donate, you can always lend your support by talking about and sharing their story with others. The more the word spreads, the more donations will come in.