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About Dodem Kanonhsa'

History

Following the Oka Crisis in 1990, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) sought ways to improve cultural understanding among staff. A solution for INAC was to build an Elder’s Cultural Facility at the Departments headquarters in Hull, Quebec. The so-named “Kumik Lodge” was built in order to provide Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal employees the opportunity seek guidance and teachings from Native Elders and Teachers. The Kumik offers people the chance to gain greater appreciation and understanding of native culture and its philosophies.

Building on the success of the Kumik, the opportunity arrived to build a similar facility in INAC's Ontario Regional Office in Toronto. The lodge has been named “Dodem Kanonhsa’”. Dodem is an Anishinabem (Ojibwe) word meaning ‘Clan’, and Kanonhsa’ is Kenienkeha (Mohawk) meaning ‘Lodge’, and is transcribed into Cree syllabics. The name was chosen in order to represent the three main tribes prominent to the Ontario Region.

The purpose of the Dodem Kanonhsa’ is to promote sharing and understanding of Aboriginal culture and its philosophies. The Dodem Kanonhsa’ is open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people with the hope that it will benefit intercultural relations, cross-cultural communication and understanding. The lodge allows us to continue the tradition, started by our Grandmothers and Grandfathers, of oral teachings. Visiting Elders and Teachers are available throughout the year.

During their stay, the Elders and Teachers conduct traditional ceremonies and provide teachings and cultural counselling.

The lodge is a place to learn from and speak with our Elders and Traditional Teachers. The Dodem Kanonhsa’ is open Monday through Friday, and is located on the 6th floor of the Arthur Meighen Building at 55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario.

To view upcoming Dodem Kanonhsa' Open Teachings visit our Upcoming Events Page. If you would like to book an appointment or arrange for a group teaching or individual appointment, please contact: Amy Desjarlais at 416-952-9272 or by e-mail: [email protected].

Venue Info S. Amy Desjarlais, B.A. Manager Dodem Kanonhsa' Cultural Facility 55 St. Clair Avenue East, 6th Floor (Just east of Yonge) Toronto, ON M4T 1M2 Phone: (416)-952-9272 Fax: (416)-952-9282 email: [email protected]