Outstanding Achievement Award for the Muskoka Discovery Centre

Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures Exhibit at Muskoka Discovery Centre Draws National Acclaim with Canadian Museums Association Award

The acclaimed Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures exhibit at the Muskoka Discover Centre has won the centre an award for Outstanding Achievement in Exhibitions from the Canadian Museums Association (CMA). There were more than 25 organizations under consideration in a multi-juried process with criteria including potential impact and connection with community.

“It is very satisfying for our team to compete successfully with some of the biggest museums in Canada,” said John Miller President of the Muskoka Discovery Centre.

On behalf of the Muskoka Discovery Centre, Chippewas of Rama Chief Ted Williams and Project Director Tim Johnson accepted the award for Outstanding Achievement in Exhibitions from the Canadian Museums Association. The exhibition, Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures, conveys the presence of Indigenous peoples extending back millennia, including the histories and current experiences of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabek, Métis, and Haudenosaunee peoples.

“The building of relationships are the foundation of our culture, our nature, our people, and all living beings”, said Chief Williams. “Working with the Muskoka Discovery Centre we have supported the development of this exhibit to make a difference in our region and across Canada. As a result, the Centre is now able to present components of the real Indigenous history in an educational and enlightened manner.”

“This kind of project is a game changer because it rounds out the long-established historical narrative of a very important region of the country by adding back the Indigenous stories that were missing,” said project director Tim Johnson. “The curatorial approach of taking visitors on a canoe journey through time and to landing areas where events and issues are revealed, becomes a transformative learning experience”.

Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures, emerges as an amazing educational program available to the world through both the physical exhibit in the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst, Ontario and the digital exhibit found at www.miskoaki.com. The guiding principle was to feature Indigenous stories as told by Indigenous peoples under Indigenous project management. The strategic goal was to weave Indigenous culture and sustainability values into the fabric and identify of the Muskoka region. Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures therefore represents the assembling of knowledge and information as determined by Indigenous knowledge holders and elders whose peoples traversed and inhabited the Muskoka region throughout history up to present day.

“We are extremely proud of the community collaboration and authenticity inherent in this exhibit and thank the Canadian Museums Association for honouring us with this award,” said Wendy Fairbairn, General Manager of the Centre.

Discount on ticket purchases before June 1

To ensure all visitors have the opportunity to enjoy this enriching cultural experience, the Centre is pleased to offer a 20% discount on all online ticket purchases using the promo code SPRING20 if purchased before June 1, 2024. The Centre staff invite you to immerse yourself in the vibrant stories told at the Muskoka Discovery Centre and discover the rich history of Muskoka’s heritage.

The Muskoka Discovery Centre would also like to recognize the project sponsors who helped make the whole exhibit possible: Presenting Sponsor – Scotiabank, Founding Sponsor – Barry & Laurie Green Family Charitable Trust, The District of Muskoka, Department of Canadian Heritage, Bill & Barbara Etherington, The McLean Foundation, Mawer Investment Management, Weston Family Foundation, RBC Royal Bank, Don Lindsay, and Rotary.

For more information about exhibits, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.realmuskoka.com.

To reach the General Manager Wendy Fairbairn, Email: wfairbairn@realmuskoka.com or Phone: (705) 687-2115

About the Muskoka Discovery Centre: Situated in Gravenhurst, Ontario, the Muskoka Discovery Centre is a premiere cultural institution with a vision to lead the preservation, promotion and celebration of the culture, heritage and sustainability of Canada’s Muskoka District. The Muskoka Lakes Chamber is proud to have the Discovery Centre as a Chamber Member.