O:se Kenhionhata:tie
Willow River Centre
About
Willow River Centre is an open community space for Indigenous and Racialized, Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ youth and grassroots members. People are welcome to drop in during open hours and public events. The centre hosts Elders visits, feasts, arts markets, galleries, workshops, drumming and much more. Come and see for yourself!
Partially supported by the Region of Waterloo's Upstream Fund as well as other grants and community support through donations. Willow River Centre is both a social and ceremonial gathering space for any Two-Spirit, IndigiQueer, Racialized, LGBTQ+ members and accomplices to come together.
Address
243 King St. E
Kitchener, ON
N2G 2K8
Drop In
Tuesday-Friday
9am-3pm
Come Visit!
Co-Directors
Amy Smoke
they/them
One of the co-founders of O:se Kenhionhata:tie, they are Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan from the Six Nations of the Grand River.
They are an IndigiQueer, two-spirit parent, teacher, and community organizer with a goal of creating more space for Black, Indigenous, and racialized voices to gather together.
Bangishimo
they/them
One of the co-founders of O:se Kenhionhata:tie, they are IndigiQueer Anishinaabe originally from Couchiching First Nation on Treaty #3 territory.
They are a community organizer, educator, advocate and photographer, with focus on creating space for communities to come together allowing for Black, Indigenous and racialized voices to be heard.
Centre Support
Olivia Maine
they/she
A disabled, IndigiQueer, Néhiyaw (Cree) Métis individual originally from treaty #7 territory. They have resided along the Haldimand tract for the last ten years.
They are an artist and organizer helping with the day to day running of Willow River Centre, as well as working with the Tionnhekwen Garden during the spring and summer season.
Layout Overview
Willow River Centre has a total of three (3) floors, a spacious courtyard, and three (3) parking spots. Inside is three (3) washrooms, each on a different floor, a kitchen with some small appliances, and an open, accessible first floor. Outside is a fire pit and gate access to the parking spaces behind the building (accessed through Hall's Lane).
Upstairs
Features
Open floor plan
Small room partially walled off without a door
Small bathroom
Small storage space
Electrical Plugins
Emergency exit at the bottom of the stairs
Notes
Only accessible by stairs with no elevator
Door to the roof is to remain locked at all times
Unavailable
Features
Bathroom available
Door separating landing and spacious main room
Emergency exit at the top of the stairs
Some space for item storage
Notes
Can only be accessed by stairs, no elevator
Small bathroom
Narrow entrance
Basement
Available
Courtyard
Under Construction
Fire pit is accessible
Unavailable
Main Floor
Features
Ramp up into the front door
Spacious, open floor plan
Office in the back
Large washroom
Two emergency exits
Sink with cool filtered water
Kettle, dishwasher, fridge, coffee machine, and microwave access in the kitchen
Notes
Courtyard can be accessed through the kitchen
Bathroom lacks handles
Sharps bin available
Free menstrual products available
Available
