Kahyonhákta
GREAT is pleased to announce our new ecotourism initiative. Kahyonhákta envisions a place
where the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee is accurately and appropriately
represented while providing cultural, social, educational, and economic benefits to the
community of Six Nations. At the heart of Kahyonhákta is a reconstructed 17th century
Iroquoian longhouse, Ganohsa’oweh, “an original house” in Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’/Cayuga. The
construction of Ganohsa’oweh will take place in the first phase of the project, which will also
see the creation of education and event programming that will be available to groups within
the community and visitors to the territory. To achieve this vision, Kahyonhákta aims to
support and increase cultural awareness in the community while providing visitors to Six
Nations with an exceptional cultural experience that increases their understanding and
appreciation for Six Nations’ natural resources, society, history and culture.
"In keeping with our name, ‘People who are building the extended lodge,” we are building yet another
longhouse. While it has been many centuries since our people actually lived in a bark-covered longhouse,
we have finally begun to build a new longhouse as a place of memory and learning. It has taken several
years of research, planning and dreaming to finally be able to see the old-style longhouse rising up on the
land. It is such a good feeling knowing that soon our children will be able to see such a historic structure
here in our own community. It will be very important to reinforce our traditional identity as the People of
the Longhouse. It will also allow us to have a sharing place where the stories, crafts and games of our
ancestors come alive for the next generation."
- Richard W. Hill, Sr, Advisory Committee Member to Kahyonhákta
The build would not have been possible without the generous support of the Six Nations of the
Grand River Economic Development Trust
where the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee is accurately and appropriately
represented while providing cultural, social, educational, and economic benefits to the
community of Six Nations. At the heart of Kahyonhákta is a reconstructed 17th century
Iroquoian longhouse, Ganohsa’oweh, “an original house” in Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’/Cayuga. The
construction of Ganohsa’oweh will take place in the first phase of the project, which will also
see the creation of education and event programming that will be available to groups within
the community and visitors to the territory. To achieve this vision, Kahyonhákta aims to
support and increase cultural awareness in the community while providing visitors to Six
Nations with an exceptional cultural experience that increases their understanding and
appreciation for Six Nations’ natural resources, society, history and culture.
"In keeping with our name, ‘People who are building the extended lodge,” we are building yet another
longhouse. While it has been many centuries since our people actually lived in a bark-covered longhouse,
we have finally begun to build a new longhouse as a place of memory and learning. It has taken several
years of research, planning and dreaming to finally be able to see the old-style longhouse rising up on the
land. It is such a good feeling knowing that soon our children will be able to see such a historic structure
here in our own community. It will be very important to reinforce our traditional identity as the People of
the Longhouse. It will also allow us to have a sharing place where the stories, crafts and games of our
ancestors come alive for the next generation."
- Richard W. Hill, Sr, Advisory Committee Member to Kahyonhákta
The build would not have been possible without the generous support of the Six Nations of the
Grand River Economic Development Trust
more photos to come...
The Project will feature:
Goals of The Project:
The Project will feature:
- A fully reconstructed 17th century Iroquoian longhouse & palisade
- A traditional medicine garden
- A traditional foods garden
- Artisans and cultural market
- A space dedicated to workshops and social functions
Goals of The Project:
- Increases tourist traffic to Six Nations by creating and promoting a sustainable ecotourism industry on the territory.
- Encourage community involvement by providing a space where people can learn, interact and engage with other community members.
- Provided a comprehensive and appropriate overview of Haudenosaunee culture and history from the beginning to contemporary times.
- Provide employment for Six Nations community members.
- Stimulate the local artisan economy by providing a marketplace where their goods and services can be sold.
- Complement the sustainability and holistic practices that Kayanase supports in the community.
*Longhouse open to pre-arranged tours only*
