K1037 supports Cultural Arts Center

The community of Kahnawake is about to take the airwaves for a powerful two-day radiothon fundraiser hosted by K1037 Radio to support the final phase of funding for the new Kahnawake Cultural Arts Center, an ambitious $56 million project that is deeply rooted in the revitalization of Kanien’kehá:ka culture, arts and language.

The radiothon is October 18 and 19, running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The goal is to raise $200,000 as part of the broader capital campaign. With $51 million already secured, this final fundraising push supports a long-term vision years in the making, one that has already raised funds through government grants, foundations, and private donations gaining support from community members, local businesses, and allies near and far.

At the heart of the project is former Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) grand chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, who is chairperson of the Capital Campaign and a long-time advocate for language and cultural revitalization. “I’ve been at this for three years now, and this project is deeply personal,” she said. “It started when I was a liaison to the Cultural Center’s board during my time with the MCK. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to see this through.”

The future facility named; Kanatahkwèn:ke, meaning “our village” will house a revitalized Cultural Center, Turtle Island Theatre Company, a new state-of-the-art museum, and Kahnawake Tourism, and community gathering spaces for workshops, ceremonies, and celebrations.

Sky-Deer emphasized the impact of the project. “This building will be a place of healing and learning. Language and culture are key to our wellness. People have reconnected with our ways and overcome hardship because of this reconnection and now, we’ll finally have a place designed for that,” Sky-Deer said.

“This is a place where everyone from babies to elders can gather and reconnect through our language, culture, and ceremonies. It’s more than a building, it’s healing, it’s education, and it’s a legacy.”

Though much of the funding has come from external sources, Sky-Deer says this radiothon is about community ownership. “The $200,000 goal is symbolic. It’s about making sure our people feel like this is their project. Whether you give $5 or $500, it means something.”

K1037 Radio’s own Joe Delaronde, a founding voice at the station and chair of the Board, has been involved in every radiothon since 1981. “Radiothons bring the community together in a way few things can,” he said. “There’s a real magic when the community comes alive on the air. You’ll have all kinds of guests, people from the Cultural Center, the theatre, tourism, elders, artists, just popping in to say hi, sharing stories, giving what they can and celebrating who we are. That’s what makes it special.”

Delaronde added, “This $200,000 isn’t just about money, it’s about saying, ‘We helped build this.’”

Delaronde stressed the impact of collective effort. “We’ve raised $450,000 for the fire brigade’s ladder truck. But this time, it’s about a place that embodies who we are as Kanien’kehá:ka. Every dollar counts and it gives people a sense of ownership. This is for the next seven generations.”

The weekend promises not only great radio, but also community spirit on full display. The station will be hosting live interviews, sharing stories, and offering food outside the studio, hot dogs, hamburgers, and a warm welcome for anyone who stops by. Donations can be made in-person, by e-transfer, or through the K1037 donation platform, KILA.

Dennis Stacey, station manager and one of the key organizers at K1037, reflected on the brainstorming that led to choosing the Cultural Center as this year’s beneficiary. “We thought: What better way to engage the community than through something that protects and promotes our identity? Culture, language, storytelling, those are powerful,” he said. “K1037 has always been the first stop for news, events, culture and connections. This radiothon just made sense.”

The idea for the fundraiser came from collaborative brainstorming between community organizers and the K1037 team. “We always knew this station would be more than music, it’s the heartbeat of the community,” said Stacey. “Helping to facilitate something like this is one of the most important things we do.”

He emphasized that residents, businesses, and organizations are all being encouraged to contribute, and there will be ongoing outreach throughout the event. “It’s about making donating easy and making people proud to be part of something big.”

With the Cultural Arts Center scheduled to open in spring 2026, this radiothon is a milestone moment on the journey. “We’re almost there,” Sky-Deer said. “Now we need the community to help us bring it home. This is our legacy. Let’s build it together.

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