Grand Reopening of MCFN’s Council House

October 25, 2024

Hagersville, Ontario — October 25, 2024 — The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) is pleased to announce the grand reopening of the historic Council House on October 25, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will take place at 2789 Mississauga Road, Hagersville, Ontario, NOA 1H0.

Individual interviews with members of MCFN Council will be offered after the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m.

Originally built in 1882, the Council House has served as a vital seat of Anishinaabe governance in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region and has been a gathering point for the MCFN community for over a century. This beloved building, modeled on a standard brick and clapboard structure, has witnessed countless significant moments in our history.

In the 1970s, the Council House underwent major renovations, including the installation of energy-efficient windows, carpeting, and a new heating system. These updates have allowed it to continue serving residents in various capacities, from a community centre and schoolhouse to a concert hall and even a factory for burlap upholstery.

The restoration of the Old Council House underscores the MCFN’s commitment to preserving Anishinaabe language, history, and culture. This revitalized space will serve as a place to repatriate artifacts, welcome band members who have never visited their ancestral land and restore Anishinaabe governance to its historic location.

This significant restoration has been made possible through the support of the Government of Canada via the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with funding from the MCFN Community Trust and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. These contributions ensure that the Council House will continue to serve our community for another 100 years.

“The Council House holds profound historical significance as it symbolizes the inaugural elected leadership of our Nation under the Indian Act framework. In assessing our contemporary buildings, it is essential to honor the historical contributions of our ancestors who laid the groundwork during the formative years of our governance,” Ogimaa Kwe Claim Sault said.

“Furthermore, we must recognize the leadership demonstrated by successive elected Councils, which has guided us up to this point and time today.”

“Support for the restoration of the Council House goes far beyond the physical renovation of a building. The Council House will serve as an important place to preserve, honour and celebrate Anishinaabe language, history and culture,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

“The Government of Canada is pleased to have supported these restoration efforts so the Council House can continue to serve the community.”

“Congratulations to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation on this significant milestone,’ said the Honourable Arif Virani Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Parkdale-High Park. “The restored Council House will support the preservation and teaching of Anishinaabe history and culture for not only our children but our grandchildren and generations beyond.

” Media representatives are invited to cover this momentous occasion and celebrate the reopening of a landmark that holds deep historical significance for the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

For more information or to confirm attendance, please contact:

Victoria Gray
Manager of Communications and Engagement
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
905-768-7469
Victoria.oraymncfn.ca

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