Mohawk Institue - Now Woodland Cultural Centre
The former Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford has reopened as an interpretive historic site, marking a powerful step forward on this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Operated by the Woodland Cultural Centre, the site will now serve as a place where visitors can learn directly from the stories of Indigenous residential school survivors, while also exploring the resilience of Indigenous culture, language, and community.
The Mohawk Institute, which operated from 1828 to 1970, was one of the oldest and longest-running residential schools in Canada. Survivors have described the facility as a place of deep trauma where children were separated from their families, language, and identity.
The newly restored building now houses listening stations featuring survivor testimonies, replica classroom and dining hall furniture engraved with quotes, and exhibits that share the “hard truths” of what happened within its walls.
The $26-million restoration project took more than a decade and was guided every step of the way by survivor voices.
Renovations included modern safety upgrades such as asbestos removal, foundation repair, and improved accessibility, ensuring the building remains safe while preserving its historic character.
The site also features the Woodland Cultural Centre’s library and language archives, reinforcing its dual mission of remembering the past and nurturing Indigenous culture for the future.
The Woodland Cultural Centre will offer tours, exhibits, and programs designed to engage both students and the public.
Organizers hope the site will become a national and international destination for those seeking to better understand Canada’s residential school history and the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation.