Self-Determination in Action: Kanatahkwèn:ke
This is where the Radio-Canada story brings Sky-Deer’s vision to life. Kanatahkwèn:ke is the culmination of a decade-long collaboration between the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (KORLCC), Turtle Island Theatre, Kahnawà:ke Tourism, and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. It embodies the rich culture, resilience, and creativity of the Kanien’kehá:ka people.
The centre brings together under one roof a language revitalization hub, a community museum, and a 178-seat performing arts theatre. It is a place where children will hear Kanyen’kéha spoken daily, where elders’ stories are archived and honoured, and where artists from Kahnawà:ke and beyond will take the stage.
The centre officially opened on September 10, supported by $16M from the Government of Canada and $11M from the Government of Québec. Beyond the numbers, this opening represents a tangible commitment to cultural sovereignty — a building made to last seven generations.
Learn more: Visit the official Kanatahkwèn:ke Cultural Arts Center website for more information about the Centre, its cultural initiatives, and its latest announcements. Explore the Centre's official news and announcements to learn more about its work and activities.
AFP Award: Recognizing Volunteer Leadership in Philanthropy
Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, CEO and President of Sky-Deer Consulting, received the Volunteer of Excellence in Philanthropy Award. She was nominated by the Kanatahkwèn:ke Cultural Arts Center. This AFP Québec award honours volunteers whose commitment transforms philanthropy. That the nomination came from the centre itself says a great deal: it is the community recognizing its own champion.
What We Learned
• 1. Relationship before transaction. True collaboration begins with building relationships based on trust, time, and presence. It cannot be rushed, and it cannot be transactional.
• 2. Strength-based, community-led. Indigenous communities are not defined by their shortcomings, but by resilience, leadership, and self-determination. Our role is to listen, learn, and amplify.
• 3. Philanthropy as an ally for decolonization. Whether supporting the creation of a new cultural centre, museum and theatre, or advancing grassroots language revitalization — as with the Kanatahkwèn:ke Cultural Arts Center — philanthropy must follow Indigenous leadership and align with priorities defined by Indigenous communities themselves.
On behalf of Global Philanthropic Canada, heartfelt congratulations to the Kanatahkwèn:ke partners for the September 10th opening and of Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer and for the Award for Outstanding Volunteer in Philanthropy from AFP Québec. Your leadership continues to show us what walking alongside truly looks like. Nia:wen, thank you for letting us learn with you.
About the Author
Chantale Lavoie is a Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada, bringing more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, post-secondary education, Indigenous relations, and international sectors. Bilingual in English and French, she specializes in fund development planning, major gifts, donor relations, board development, and philanthropic strategy.
Throughout her career, Chantale has helped organizations advance their missions through strategic fundraising initiatives, meaningful donor relationships, and sustainable philanthropic partnerships. Her experience includes leadership roles in higher education, arts and culture, and major fundraising campaigns across Canada.
Passionate about creating lasting impact, Chantale brings a collaborative approach, deep sector knowledge, and a commitment to helping organizations strengthen their fundraising capacity and achieve their goals.
