Tamil Canadian families visit Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory on an unique cultural exchange Initiative.

Toronto, ON – April 5, 2018, – An interesting and informative cultural exchange took place over the past Easter long weekend. The exchange billed as a historic first between a recently settled community and a First Nation people was initiated by the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) with the support of Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawenna Language and Cultural Centre (Mohawk community) and the Centre for Leadership and Innovation (CFLI).

Over 130 men, women, youth and children from the Tamil community from across Ontario travelled and stayed at Belleville to take part in the two-day activities. On the first day, Tyendinaga Mohawk community held interactive sessions/workshops to explain and demonstrate their culture, arts, crafts, games, language, dances and music while serving traditional Mohawk food for all participants. The event started with the blessing by an elder from the First Nation community, followed by welcoming address by Chief Don Maracle. Mike Bossio, MP for the area also spoke. “The Sharing Cultures event held on March 30 and 31 at the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, to teach and learn alongside the Tamil people was embraced by the community,” said Callie Hill, Executive Director of Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawenna Language and Cultural Centre. “The experience is much more meaningful and rich when it is one of reciprocity, as was the event with the Tamil’s. We are looking at this event as the beginning of an ongoing relationship” said Callie.

On the second day, it was Tamil Canadian’s turn to share their culture, arts, language, music and dance. Traditional Tamil food, including some spicy dishes, were served to nearly 200 people taking part. The second day’s event started with the lighting of the lamp, welcome address by CTC’s President Dr. Vadivelu Santhakumar, and special recognition of some Mohawk leaders present. Prof. R. Cheran in his speech compared some similarities among the two communities and recognized the need for reconciliation with all indigenous people. The Mohawk community was treated to Tamil dances, drumming, language, games, culture and history through interactive performances and hands-on activities including Silambam, Kummi, Kolam and Parai.