FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2015
Six Nations Chief and Lieutenant Governor Commemorate 230th Anniversary of
Historic Mohawk Chapel
(Ohsweken, ON) On September 27, Six Nations Chief Ava Hill, members of the community, and the Hon.
Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, gathered together to celebrate the 230th
anniversary of Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, the oldest church in Ontario and the only
Royal Chapel located on a First Nation Territory in North America.
“As a community, the Six Nations people are committed to ensuring that the historic Mohawk Chapel –
the only one of its kind in Ontario – remains open as a place of worship and important heritage site that
we can share with family, friends and neighbours for many years to come,” said Chief Hill. “The Mohawk
Chapel has long been a symbol of the important relationship between Six Nations and the early
settlement of the province. I am proud to acknowledge and honour our history.”
“As The Queen’s representative in Ontario, I am honoured to have helped mark the 230th anniversary of
Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks,” said the Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor
of Ontario. “It is a reminder of the vital role that the Six Nations played in the early settlement of
Ontario and is a testament to the importance of the continuing relationship between First Peoples and
the Crown. I commend all who have been involved in ensuring that this historic place will continue to be
a significant community site for generations to come.”
“With over 100 people in attendance, it was a great celebration of the chapel and its’ history,” said Barry
Hill, Chair of the Mohawk Chapel Committee. “Everyone came together to recognize and appreciate the
relationship between our people and the governments of Ontario and Canada through this memorable
service, including a traditional opening followed by hymns sung in the Mohawk language.”
Built in 1785 and located on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, the Royal Chapel of the Mohawks is
an honoured historic site and the last remaining building of the Mohawk Village. It is widely renowned
for its eight stained glass windows that portray events in the history of the Six Nations people, and
welcomes over 2,500 visitors annually.
Other special guests at the ceremony included Bishop Terry Dance of the Diocese of Huron, Bishop Mark
MacDonald, Canada’s first National Indigenous Anglican Bishop, City of Brantford Mayor Chris Friel,
County of Brant Mayor Ron Eddy, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brant Dave Levac.
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For further information on the Royal Chapel of the Mohawks: http://mohawkchapel.ca/
To make a charitable contribution to the Mohawk Chapel Trust Fund, contact Jacqueline Jamieson,
Cultural Coordinator for Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks at (519) 758-5444.
Six Nations of the Grand River is Canada's most populated First Nation, with more than 26,000 members.
Located in Southwestern Ontario, between Brantford, Caledonia, and Hagersville, it is the only First
Nation in North America wherein all six Iroquois nations – Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, Onondaga
and Tuscarora – live together. Six Nations Elected Council is committed to building a strong, prosperous
and healthy community through key investments in community priorities, including infrastructure,
education, health, culture and land rights. Follow Six Nations Elected Council on Facebook or Twitter
@SixNationsEC
Contact:
Victoria Racette
Communications Officer, Six Nations of the Grand River
(519) 445-2201
[email protected]