$255,000 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Helping to Create Haudenosaunee Universe

June 1, 2026

Akwesasne, ON – On Monday evening the team at Ohero:kon Rites of Passage were pleased to announce how their $255,000 Youth Opportunities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has made an impact for the community of Akwesasne. The three-year long grant was awarded in 2023 and has helped create opportunities for Indigenous parents, guardians and caregivers to help families build strong community and cultural connections, strengthen relationships, and heal from trauma.

“Over the last three years, Ohero:kon Rites of Passage has been taking critical steps to foster safe spaces and build strong community ties across Akwesasne and SDG,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “Through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, our government is proud to support Haudenosaunee Universe which has empowered and connected Indigenous families to more culturally sensitive resources right in Akwesasne and SDG.”

For over 21 years, the organization has called home a lost generation with this exceptional cultural programming. The original initiative has grown from engaging Akwesasne youth to include their parents, guardians, aunties, uncles and grandparents. It is reintroducing participants in the areas of Language, Education, Justice, Treaties, Medicine, Health, Environment, Spirituality, Traditional Governance/Diplomacy, and International Relations. The programming exists both in classroom-like settings, larger group spaces and on the land. Delivery happens year-round with a focus on intense learning sessions and ceremony each spring.

“At Haudenosaunee Universe, our mission is to foster holistic education by integrating the ancient wisdom of the Haudenosaunee people with contemporary learning,” said Louise McDonald, Director, Ohero:kon Rites of Passage. “We are committed to nurturing individuals who are deeply connected to their cultural roots while being equipped to engage with the world in ways that promote peace, sustainability, and mutual respect. Through a combination of educational lectures, immersive cultural experiences, wellness practices, and dialogue circles, we create a transformative space where knowledge, healing, and leadership are passed down for the benefit of future generations and all of humanity.”

“The unwavering support and guidance of the Ontario Trillium Foundation made it possible for us to deliver our programming and reach those who needed it most. Their partnership has truly been transformative, empowering our organization to create meaningful change in our community,” added McDonald.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-2026, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Through the Youth Opportunities Fund, OTF invests in community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways, and addressing issues faced by our communities. Visit otf.ca to learn more. 

Media Contact
Adrian Bugelli
Office of MPP Nolan Quinn
613-933-6513
Nolan.Quinn@pc.ola.org