The Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Center Longhouse on Highway 54 near Chiefswood was badly damaged by fire on Friday.
No one was injured in the blaze, as there were no staff or visitors present at the time, Six Nations officials said.
Six Nations Fire and Emergency Services were able to extinguish the fire shortly after arriving but say damage to the longhouse was so extensive it will be difficult to determine the cause at this time.
Grand River Employment and Training Inc. will continue to work with SNFES and Six Nations Police as the investigation into the blaze continues.
“I want to thank the community for their outpouring of support at this difficult time,” Erin Monture, CEO of Business Opportunities for Grand River Employment and Training Inc., said in a media release. “We are grateful that nobody was harmed, and we are also grateful to Six Nations Fire and Emergency Services, Six Nations Police, and Six Nations Paramedic Services for their timely response.
“Although this is an unfortunate situation, we are already committed to continuing the important work of keeping our culture and traditions alive.”
Elected Six Nations Chief Mark Hill was devastated to hear of the fire.
“This was a key part of our community’s efforts to preserve our traditions and teachings for coming generations,” Hill said. “Our community knows how to rebuild, and it is important everyone knows how much we value our history and our common culture.”
Six Nations of the Grand River and Grand River Employment and Training Inc. thanked the community members for their overwhelming support.
Both organizations also thanked local fire, police, and paramedics for their quick response and bravery.
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