Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures
The investment required is $1.4 million
We need $200,000 to Finish
Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures
A TRULY AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS CURATION
More than 10,000 years of Indigenous history
A presentation about the Indigenous presence in Muskoka for more than 10,000 years. This unique exhibit is being created by a curatorial circle of 20 Indigenous elders, scholars, linguists, and graphic designers representing four cultural groups. This includes the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabek, Métis, and Haudenosaunee that are part of that history.
Indigenous history curated by Indigenous peoples
An authentic trip through history
The visitor will be taken on a seven-stop metaphoric canoe journey through the region. The trip will cover the arrival of Indigenous peoples at the end of the last ice age, to their adaptation as societies and nations to the changing environment, colonial engagement, and contemporary times. This exhibit’s content has been developed over two years with an emphasis on quality, authenticity, and aesthetic beauty.
Indigenous artists are creating works such as the Dish with One Spoon display, which bring to life compelling stories.
Previously Underrepresented History
History, stories, and values are traditionally handed down verbally by the elders and leaders in an Indigenous community. The content of this exhibit, which has been provided by Indigenous knowledge keepers, scholars, and cultural specialists, is integrated into a unique storyline that spans the annals of time.
Many paths, cultures and world views.
- The Five Conceptual Themes represent the high-level intellectual organization of the visitor experience.
- They determine what stories we tell through the exhibits.
- Each exhibit experience in the gallery will relate to one, or more, of these big themes.
Moccasins relay cultural stories
Expressed in a symbolic canoe journey
“We will take visitors on a symbolic canoe journey through that landscape to look at the Earth through Indigenous eyes and to see how history impacted upon Indigenous relationships to the land. We will stop at various locations to re-examine its meaning and better understand Indigenous history. There will be seven landings where we will share stories of place and information to reveal Indigenous experiences of the region.” (Rick Hill)
A bird’s eye view
Visitor
Reconnecting Communities
The historic and contemporary presence of Indigenous peoples in Muskoka is long, mostly unknown, and little understood. The natural bounty of the region, maintained hundreds of generations of families and communities. Following colonization, Indigenous peoples were marginalized and dispossessed of their lands. Government policies and social prejudice led to lack of contact and lack of awareness over the past two hundred plus years. This exhibit will help reconnect the Indigenous community with the non-Indigenous community and facilitate greater understanding, truth, and reconciliation.
Building trust and understanding
The visitor will walk through the seven stations on a journey that will encourage dialogue and interaction with other visitors. It concludes with a reflections station that will cause them to reflect and possibly enhance their understanding in ways that contribute to truth and reconciliation.
Enriched through timeless Indigenous art
To celebrate the ingenuity, creativity, and strength of the region’s Indigenous peoples, artworks have been commissioned from contemporary artists, thereby demonstrating the continuity and confluence of Indigenous cultures that make the Muskoka Region so vibrant and inviting. Mixed with important historic artefacts as well as digital audio and media, the visitor experience will result in impressions that last a lifetime.
The exhibit will bring the feel of rich shield landscape.
This exhibition will bring an authentic feeling of the raw, rugged nature of the Muskoka region indoors. Water+River and its way of defining the land, Land+Forest both dense and open and Rock in it’s various scales and forms.
We already feature amazing Indigenous teachings
Water is Life
Water is Life is all about the Indigenous relationship with water. This exhibit highlights the significant role of women as recognized “Water Keepers” in the protection and nurturing of water.
Five episode Webinar viewed by thousands
Inspired by Dr Norman Yan Indigenous teachings about natural laws are contrasted with western based Science.
By gaining a better understanding of the two approaches we can improve the potential for a more sustainable future.
We are nearing completion of a significant expansion. A project that will be unlike anything Muskoka has ever seen. We have assembled a world-class team of creators and curators, and raised $6.4 million of the $9.0 million investment. Your donation will push us toward the goal.
NO TICKET REQUIRED FOR THE DIGITAL VERSION
- Completely different from the onsite version
- Oriented to families with a focus on youth education.
- Very comfortable learning format for young people
- Designed and curated by Indigenous professionals to guarantee authenticity
- Will satisfy international interest for Canadian Indigenous history
A Compelling Online Experience
Content of the on-site exhibit will be made available to anyone in the world via an amazing and engaging website designed by Indigenous professionals. This profoundly important digital experience that can influence Canada and the world by building trust and understanding is co-sponsored by Heritage Canada and Scotiabank.
Alignment with Truth & Reconciliation
Misko Aki: Confluence of Cultures exhibit will change the understanding and appreciation among Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors by revealing Indigenous history, culture and sustainability values.
Programming builds relations among Indigenous communities and the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians recognizing the underlying trauma.
Taking the Messages to the World
A profoundly important digital experience that can influence Canada and the world in building trust and understanding of all peoples for the benefit of Canada and an example the world.
The growing list of financial supporters who have already recognized the value of this exhibit through their generous donations:
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Scotiabank
The Barry and Laurie Green Family Charitable Trust
The District Municipality of Muskoka
The McLean Foundation
Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage
Weston Family Foundation
