BUILDING FUTURES: CELEBRATING THE UNVEILING OF THE KAHERI:IO TRADES TRAINING FACILITY

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is proud to celebrate the unveiling of the Iohahi:io Trades Building, Kaheri:io, which was held on January 16, 2025. This modern facility represents a transformative step in empowering Akwesasronon with practical, hands-on training opportunities, ensuring a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Purpose-built to provide education in woodworking, welding, construction, and other trades, the Kaheri:io Trades Training Facility embodies innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence. Its creation was made possible through the partnership of Akwesasne Career & Employment Support Services (ACESS), the Department of Community & Social Services (DCSS), and the Department of Infrastructure, Housing & Environment (DIHE). The building’s creation also stands as a testament to the strength and potential of students, as many played an active role in its construction.

Recently, the building was doubled in size thanks to the support of ACESS, CSP, and DCSS funding. This expansion added two washrooms, a classroom, and a new room designed to house 10 welders. This addition to the building was a collaborative effort, with students who had been trained in trades such as masonry and carpentry working alongside tradespeople as mentors and instructors. These students gained hands-on experience in real-world projects, further solidifying their training and skill development.

The building, located next to Iohahi:io in Tsi Snaihne, currently hosts a Welding course in the evening and a Pathways to Trades course during the day. Iohahi:io is also exploring pre-apprenticeship programs, as well as pre-employment offerings, to continue expanding opportunities for the community.

The grand opening brought together community leaders, staff, and officials to celebrate this milestone. Remarks were delivered by Grand Chief Leonard Lazore, alongside Norma Sunday (Associate Director of Post-Secondary & Continuing Education), Russell Roundpoint (Executive Director of ACESS), Leslie Papineau (Director of DIHE), and Donna Lahache (Director of AMBE). Attendees, including representatives from Iohahi:io, ACESS, the Community Support Program (CSP), and MP Eric Duncan (SD&G), joined a guided tour led by Trades Training Coordinator Ron Lazore. The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of the facility.

Grand Chief Leonard Lazore highlighted the profound impact of the facility in his remarks: “It’s exciting to see how this new facility is already being utilized to host trade courses. Building a strong labour force is not just about meeting the needs of today, but also about preparing for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. This facility will provide our community members with the tools, resources, and training they need to succeed and build sustainable futures.”

“It’s equally inspiring to hear that students have played an active role in the construction of this project,” added Grand Chief, reflecting on what it took to bring the building to life. “This hands-on experience not only helps them develop valuable skills but also provides a sense of pride for everyone who contributed. By participating in opportunities like this, they are truly building their futures—brick by brick.”

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne congratulates the staff of the Iohahi:io Akwesasne Education and Training Institute and the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education for their vision, dedication, and achievements. Kaheri:io is more than just a building; it is a beacon of what can be accomplished through collaboration, determination, and shared purpose. Together, we are empowering Akwesasronon to construct sustainable and successful futures.