Southern Ontario has a fabulous new attraction that the whole family can enjoy.
After five years of planning and following an extensive fundraising effort that has seen more than $7.3 million raised to date, Muskoka Discovery Centre’s newly enhanced gallery space opened to the public this week. The 12,000 square foot gallery, The Muskoka Story: A Microcosm of Canada, features three unique exhibits, including the most significant contribution made to Indigenous culture in the region.
Curated entirely by a circle of Indigenous elders, scholars and linguists representing four cultural groups including Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabek, Métis and Haudenosaunee, Misko – Aki: Confluence of Cultures follows the Indigenous presence in Muskoka since millennia. Visitors are taken on a seven-stop metaphoric canoe journey through the region which begins with the arrival of Indigenous hunters at the end of the last ice age and explores the adaption by hunter gatherers to the changing environment, farming practices, colonial engagement, and contemporary times. The project was led by Tim Johnson, Associate Director for Museum Programs at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian, with facilities in New York and Washington. Mr. Johnson is also director of the Landscape of Nations 360 Indigenous Education Initiative and artistic director of the Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Map.
This is a very worthy cause (note: I’m a member of the board of directors for the discovery centre, just so you know), which you can support by clicking the below link.
The Muskoka Story also features Evolving Muskoka: Life on the Edge of the Shield, which explores the evolution of the area over the last 250 years through three central themes: the advent of transformative technologies, the arrival of new people and growth of communities; and the development of new industries. It also raises important environmental issues and looks at how people are working to preserve one of Canada’s most-loved – and most popular – natural areas.
The Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst, Ontario. JIM BYERS PHOTO
A third exhibit, Wanda III: Steam to Green describes the electrification and restoration of a beautiful and historic steam yacht built for the Eaton family. The 108-year-old vessel has been refurbished with electric motors and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries – allowing it to operate more efficiently and without any greenhouse gas emissions or negative environmental impact as a symbol of sustainable heritage. Visitors can also view the yacht’s original motor, which has been lovingly preserved and will be on display in the gallery.
The ship will ultimately be available for group bookings.
(In related news, the Royal Mail Ship Segwun, the oldest operating mail steamship in North America, will sail on Thursday, July 6. It’s her first sailing since the pandemic hit in 2020, and she’s been fully restored and renovated.)
“The Muskoka Story: A Microcosm of Canada is much more than a conventional museum display or art gallery show,” said Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre’s Director and Revitalization Chair, Rick McGraw. “Our story begins with the presence of Indigenous Peoples in Muskoka since millennia and moves through 250 years of development, arriving in the present day to address the challenges we face in preserving Muskoka for future generations.”
Part of the Muskoka Story exhibit . JIM BYERS PHOTO
Board Chair, Gary Getson agrees: “With these new exhibits, Canadians and their families can actively experience our shared history, celebrate our resources, and engage the challenges of our future. Our story encourages thinking, discussion and better understanding among all peoples,” he said.
“Our strategic goal was to weave and inculcate Indigenous culture and sustainability values into the fabric and identity of the Muskoka region,” said Misko-Aki Project Director, Tim Johnson. “Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures represents an assemblage of knowledge and information determined predominantly by Indigenous elders whose peoples traversed and inhabited the Muskoka region throughout history and up to the present day.
“It therefore emerges in this era of Truth and Reconciliation as an important marker of Indigenous primacy upon the land, replete with values and teachings of benefit to our communities,” Johnson said.
Beautiful moccasins on display in the Misko-Aki exhibit. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Muskoka Story: A Microcosm of Canada is complimentary with admission to the Muskoka Discovery Centre. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door and can be combined with additional discounts at Muskoka Steamships.
I had a chance to tour the exhibit on opening day, and it’s a marvel. The Evolving Muskoka: Life on the Edge of the Shield section includes marvelous descriptions of pioneer life and glamorous resorts in the region. There are also interactive displays that are tons of fun, and a fine, short film that examines critical issues surrounding environmental protection and sustainability of the beautiful Muskoka region.
Misko – Aki: Confluence of Cultures also raises important issues and includes narrated talks from local indigenous people that describe the hardships and joys of life in the region and talk about the importance of preserving this magical land for generations to come.
A display at the Muskoka Story exhibit. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Muskoka Story exhibit is in addition to the already existing Muskoka Discovery Centre, which has wonderful artefacts and examines the colourful history of the region. It also includes a covered boathouse that displays some of the most striking, polished-to-a-perfect-shine wooden boats you’ll find anywhere.
For more information, including ticket prices and hours of operation, visit realmuskoka.com.
