Rooted in Heritage, Built for Tomorrow: Supporting Kahnawà:ke’s Vision

At Pliadez, we believe that the most transformative innovations happen when we bridge heritage and progress. Supporting the Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center Capital Campaign is a natural expression of that belief. This remarkable project represents not just the construction of a building, but the creation of a vibrant hub where history, language, art, and community will thrive together for generations to come.

A Journey Rooted in Cultural Revival

The seeds for this project were planted over four decades ago. In 1978, members of the Kahnawà:ke community recognized a growing urgency: the Kanien’kéha (Mohawk) language and cultural practices were at risk of fading. Out of this awareness came the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center (KORLCC) — a grassroots initiative committed to revitalizing the language, preserving cultural knowledge, and celebrating Mohawk identity.

For years, KORLCC operated from modest facilities, offering language classes, archiving oral histories, and curating cultural exhibits. As its impact grew, it became clear that our community needed more — not only to safeguard the past but also to inspire the future. The dream of a state-of-the-art cultural facility began to take shape.

From Vision to Reality

After years of consultation, planning, and advocacy, the project officially broke ground on November 25, 2023. With a budget of nearly $56 million, the Center will feature:

• A fully equipped performance theatre.
• Climate-controlled museum spaces for artifacts and exhibitions.
• Language classrooms and digital learning labs.
• Flexible multipurpose rooms for workshops and community events.
• A welcoming tourism gateway that introduces visitors to Kahnawà:ke’s rich heritage.

Why This Matters to Pliadez

Pliadez was founded on the principle that progress should never come at the expense of identity. Our work in technology, innovation, and global connectivity has taught us that the most impactful solutions are those rooted in authentic cultural context. The Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center embodies that balance — it’s a forward-looking facility grounded in centuries of tradition.

Our decision to support the Capital Campaign was driven by three key reasons:

1. State-of-the-Art Facilities for a Timeless Mission

The new Center’s modern infrastructure will give cultural programming the tools it needs to flourish. From world-class theatre productions to interactive educational exhibits, the facility will open new possibilities for engagement and preservation.

2. Preserving Language and Cultural Identity

Language is more than communication — it is a vessel for worldview, memory, and connection. By supporting Kanien’kéha language programming, the Center ensures that this vital part of Mohawk heritage will be accessible to current and future generations.

3. Educating and Connecting People

We are inspired by the Center’s commitment to teaching both community members and visitors about Mohawk history, traditions, and contemporary life. This is not a static museum — it is a living, evolving space of dialogue, understanding, and inspiration.

A Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation

Supporting this project aligns perfectly with Pliadez’s mission: empowering communities through forward-thinking solutions that respect and amplify their roots. The Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center is a bold example of how tradition and innovation can move forward hand in hand.

As the building rises from the ground, we see more than concrete and steel — we see classrooms filled with language learners, a stage alive with Indigenous theatre, and visitors leaving with a deeper respect for Mohawk culture.

This is why we are proud to stand behind the Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center Capital Campaign. It’s not just an investment in a building — it’s an investment in people, culture, and the future.