The Šawelihcikewin fundraising campaign to raise $3.2 million to restore and renew Old St. Thomas, Moose Factory, was launched on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 2 pm, outside of the building, on the second last day of participation in the National Trust for Canada's Next Great Save competition.
The Master of Ceremonies was Robert Faries, Chair of the Moose River Heritage and Hospitality Association’s (MRHHA) Old St. Thomas Restoration Committee.
Rev. Canon Grace Delaney, elder, and local Anglican parish representative on the Restoration Committee, opened with prayer. Carina Weapenicappo, MRHHA Board Member and Youth Representative, addressed the assembled crowd on behalf of the Board. Words of welcome from Archbishop Fred Hiltz, former Primate of Anglican Church of Canada, representing the Anglican Diocese of Moosonee, were also read.
Robert then acknowledged the past support received, giving special thanks for the leading $100,000 contributions from the family of the late Reverend Sharon Murdoch, and from Moose Cree First Nation (MCFN).
The keynote speaker was Chief Peter Wesley, who painted in MCFN's past contributions onto the new campaign thermometer. He said, “We support the restoration of Old St. Thomas to serve the community with traditional and new purposes, with a focus on programming that strengthens families, culture, arts, and language.”
Chief Allan Jolly of MoCreebec Eeyoud Council spoke briefly and made a surprise announcement of a generous matching donation of $100,000 from MoCreebec, before painting the campaign thermometer up to the $1.1 million mark.
“We support the restoration of Old St. Thomas to serve the community with traditional and new purposes, with a focus on programming that strengthens families, culture, arts, and language.”
Chief Peter Wesley, MCFN
During the launch a major new legacy grant of $500,000 from Canadian Heritage was announced with words of greeting from The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage: “The Government of Canada is excited to support Moose Factory’s 350th anniversary project. This project will create a valuable space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can come together to celebrate our shared heritage and forge, strong, lasting bonds. We look forward to seeing this place become a crossroads of mutual respect, enriching dialogue, shared support and active preservation of our collective heritage.”
“By transforming this historic place into a multi-purpose community centre," the Minister affirmed," we’re bringing new energy to the entire community. Our government sees the effort and passion that have gone into this project to date, ensuring a transformation in close collaboration with Moose Cree Nation Leaders and all Moose Factory residents. By preserving our common heritage and collaborating with Indigenous communities, we are enriching our society, making it more inclusive and welcoming for all.”
The launch marked an auspicious beginning for the Šawelihcikewin campaign.
To donate to the Šawelihcikewin fundraising campaign to help reach our goal of $3,200,000 for the restoration and renewal of Old St. Thomas, please click this link. https://www.mrhha.ca/how-to-give