(Ottawa, ON) – February 24, 2026 - On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, we are joined by Andrew Bomberry, an educator and curriculum developer from Six Nations of the Grand River, the largest First Nations reserve in Canada by population. Andrew is a Haudenosaunee man who shares insights into both historic and contemporary Haudenosaunee life. In this episode, Andrew and Gordon explore the historic significance of the Woodland Cultural Centre, the formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the importance of Wampum agreements, particularly the Two Row Wampum.

Andrew speaks about life at Six Nations of the Grand River and discusses the building that once housed the Mohawk Institute Residential School. A site of tremendous historical and cultural harm, it is also recognized as the first Residential School in Canada. Today, it is home to the Woodland Cultural Centre, where cultural revitalization continues. Andrew shares the story of how the original building burned down in 1903 in a fire set by students of the Residential School, an act remembered as one of resistance.

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Andrew also discusses how the American Revolution affected the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and led to the loss of traditional lands. He explains how the Six Nations of the Grand River community was established and touches on the significance of the Jay Treaty. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, often translated as “People of the Longhouse,” includes the Mohawk, Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, and Tuscarora Nations. Their alliance and traditional governance system continue today.

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy was among the first Indigenous Nations to enter into treaty relationships with European settlers through Wampum agreements. Andrew explains this treaty-making process and describes the Two Row Wampum agreement made with the Dutch. The agreement represents non-interference, coexistence, peace, friendship, and respect. Its message remains relevant today.

The conversation concludes with a reflection on the role of education in building meaningful dialogue and how Reconciliation benefits everyone. As Andrew notes, a rising tide lifts all boats.

About the Legacy of Hope Foundation

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 25 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate Canadians about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School Systems and subsequent Child Welfare System on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, and their communities to address discrimination against Indigenous Peoples, and to promote hope and healing in Canada. The LHF works to encourage Canadians to address discrimination and injustice to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples.

The LHF has 30 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history, which are free to borrow, and we are working on making exhibitions available online. LHF also has curricula for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops, and Training, two Podcast series, all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Child Welfare System, and other colonial acts of oppression. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding to eliminate ongoing racism against Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation in Canada.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Teresa Edwards, B.A., LL.B / J.D.
Directrice générale et conseillère juridique interne
Fondation autochtone de l’espoir
tedwards@legacyofhope.ca