Grand River Employment and Training has launched a fundraiser to rebuild a replica longhouse that caught fire near the Kayanase Greenhouse in July.
The fundraiser, called “Ejidwahsron:ni” (We Will Build Again), was launched by GREAT this week to rebuild the longhouse through donations via the website canadahelps.org.
The longhouse, known as Ganosa’q:weh located on Hwy 54 near Kayanase Greenhouse, caught fire suddenly on July 22. The entire structure was levelled in the massive fire with smoke that could be seen from miles away.
No one was injured in the blaze and no official cause of the fire has been released.
GREAT is now seeking donations to help rebuild the educational longhouse which was built in 2014 by local tradespeople to provide cultural experiences that increase the understanding and appreciation for Six Nations and Haudenosaunee people.
Since opening its doors, the longhouse had thousands of visitors from all over the world.
The fundraising goal is $1 million. To date, the fundraiser has received $3,605.
Donations can be made to the fund via www.canadahelps.org.
Fundraising efforts are also happening through book sales. GREAT is selling books for $10 titled OSTTC Longhouse Ganosa’o:weh with proceeds to go towards rebuilding the longhouse. The books can be bought at the GREAT building on Sunrise Court.