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Survivors’ Secretariat hosts the Second Annual Survivors of the Mohawk Institute Gathering on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. The event begins on the 53rd anniversary of the schools closing (June 27, 1970) and is being held at the Gathering Place by the Grand and Chiefswood Park from June 27- 29, 2023.
The three-day gathering invites individuals who attended the Mohawk Institute, located in Brantford, Ontario, to reconnect with their peers and provide the Secretariat with insight on their investigation into unmarked burials. Participation in the first two days of the event is limited to Mohawk Institute Survivors and their support person only.
The gathering is an opportunity for former students of the Mohawk Institute (or children/prisoners/wards, however one may choose to describe their time at the school) to reunite and share their experiences amongst a group of peers without the worry of onlookers. The first two days are meant to engage Survivors of the Mohawk Institute in dialogue and opportunities for healing. Presentations and breakout sessions will:
1) Provide updates to Survivors on the investigation into unmarked burials and missing children of the Mohawk Institute.
2) Seek insight to help inform the investigation into unmarked burials.
3) Provide a space for peers to reunite, reconnect and honour each other.
4) Seek guidance on how best to commemorate what has happened at the Mohawk Institute.
5) Provide opportunities for Survivors to participate in cultural activities and teachings.
The third day will be open to Intergenerational Survivors and the public. This final day is intended to celebrate the resilience of Indigenous people and will include traditional games, stage performances, family-oriented activities and opportunities for information sharing, along with craft vendors and community booths.
Event Details
What: Second Annual Survivor’s Gathering
When: Tuesday, June 27 – Thursday, June 29, 2023
Where: Gathering Place by the Grand (2593 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON), Six Nations of the Grand River Territory
Supports: Travel and accommodations support are available to Survivors of the Mohawk Institute only. We are unable to offer travel and accommodations supports to Survivors who attended other IRS institutes at this time.
Accommodations: Best Western, 19 Holiday Drive, Brantford, ON one room for you and your support person for up to 4 nights (arriving the day before and departing the day after event).
Transportation: Will be arranged on a case-by-case basis from your home address to Brantford, ON. Please register and we will contact you to arrange appropriate travel to and from the event. Transportation will be provided daily between the hotel and venue sites.
Meals: Meals for Survivors and their support person will be provided at the event from June 26-June 29.
How to Register: To register, please complete the registration form online at https://linktr.ee/survivorssecretariat or contact Misty Ladd at 519-774-5586 or before May 31, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you I have to be a Mohawk Institute Survivor to attend?
The gathering is an opportunity for former students (or prisoners/wards) of the institute to reunite and share their experiences amongst a group of peers without the worry of onlookers.
The Secretariat organizes and coordinates the search efforts into unmarked burials and missing children of the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School. The gathering is intended to engage students of the Mohawk Institute to help inform our search efforts.
How can I help?
If you or the organisation you represent wishes to assist with the gathering, please contact Tabitha at and we will be in touch. Alternatively, you can complete a volunteer application here.