Powwow Country: Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford

Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford

For almost four decades now, people have been flocking to the city of Brantford, birthplace of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, to visit the Woodland Cultural Centre. The facility opened in 1972 and averages about 10,000 visitors each year. The centre, which has many components, features displays detailing area Iroquois and Algonquin life from pre-historic times to the 21st century. “What sets us apart is our museum,” said Janis Monture, the centre’s executive director.

The museum’s collection includes more than 35,000 artifacts, featuring items such as archeological specimens, sculptures and crafts. “It takes (visitors) through our history and it is told to them through our perspective,” Monture added. The Woodland Cultural Centre also includes the Mohawk Institute which used to be a residential school. This facility now houses the centre’s administration offices as well as its resource library and maintenance and language departments. Throughout each year the centre hosts various lectures, demonstrations, workshops and festivals.

For those looking for more information on the centre go to: www.woodland-centre.on.ca.