Woodland Cultural Centre

The Woodland Cultural Centre brings the story of the Haudenosaunee people of the Eastern Woodlands to life by preserving and promoting language, history and culture. It also showcases the unique voices of Indigenous artists and honours Residential School survivors.

Established in 1972 after the closure of the Mohawk Institute Residential School, the centre has been collecting artifacts and celebrating Indigenous cultural heritage for nearly 50 years. Its collection is one of the largest Canadian facilities administered by the First Nations and includes everything from documents and sculptures to ethnographic materials.

Visit the Woodland Cultural Centre website

A woman walks by Indigenous art and carvings at Woodland Cultural Centre. — Woodland Cultural Centre | Hamilton Halton Brant

How to get to Woodland Cultural Centre

Location: 184 Mohawk Street, Brantford

By car: The Woodland Cultural Centre is in the southeast corner of Brantford, which is best accessed via highway ON-403 or the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Limited free guest parking is available in front of the building.

By transit: VIA Rail and GO Transit offer service to Brantford. Brantford Transit 1 bus travels from the train station to the centre.

Know before you go

The Woodland Cultural Centre is open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

It takes about 45 minutes to tour the museum and art galleries, so plan accordingly.

Note that the library is a private, non-lending library so items cannot be removed from the grounds.

See accessibility features

Things to do at Woodland Cultural Centre

Discover more activities and experiences.

Explore the museum

Permanent and temporary museum exhibits tell the unique stories of the Iroquoian and Algonquian people in Southern Ontario from prehistoric to modern times.

Enjoy incredible art

Admire a rotating collection of compelling Indigenous art and themed exhibitions.

Join a tour

Gain a deeper understating from immersive self-guided tours and guided virtual tours or join a prearranged group tour.

Attend unique events

Check the calendar of upcoming events and educational programs.

Visit the gift shop

Purchase high-quality items made by small businesses and artisans from the Six Nations community and other Indigenous communities at the gift shop.

Articles and itineraries

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

Indigenous tours and outdoor adventures

Learn about Indigenous cultures and explore the unique bond with the natural world on a guided tour or land-based activity.

Read moreIndigenous tours and outdoor adventures

Experience Indigenous cuisine in Ontario

Sample traditional and modern Indigenous cuisine at an Indigenous-owned restaurant, on a guided food tour or from a local food producer.

Read moreExperience Indigenous cuisine in Ontario

Indigenous history and heritage in Ontario

Learn about Indigenous history at Ontario’s recreated villages, museums, cultural centres and other significant sites.

Read moreIndigenous history and heritage in Ontario

Indigenous art galleries and gift shops

Visit Indigenous art galleries, cultural centres and gift shops in Ontario.

Read moreIndigenous art galleries and gift shops

Interesting facts about Woodland Cultural Centre

Initially known as the Woodland Indian Cultural Education Centre, the Woodland Cultural Centre opened in 1972 under the direction of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians. Its mission was to collect research and artifacts for its library, archives and museum.

As the centre grew, it emphasized the arts and preserving Indigenous culture in Canada. In 1988, it was renamed the Woodland Cultural Centre.

The canoe in front of the museum was part of the 2015 InterNations exhibit. It demonstrates modes of transportation from an Indigenous perspective.

Accessibility Features

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking space with a safe, clearly marked accessible route from the designated parking area to an accessible building entrance.

Accessible seating

Reserved space with a clear view of the event/activity for someone who is seated, good sound quality, and adequate manoeuvring room for a mobility device.

Easy access electrical outlets

At least one electrical outlet within easy reach has clear floor space in front for charging an electric mobility device.

Information available in alternative format

Accessible formats (e.g. for menus, brochures, etc) and communication supports are provided in a timely manner upon request at no extra charge in consultation with the person making the request.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are available, free of charge, or for rent.

Last updated: September 19, 2024