Update on the Mishkodeh Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
The vision that we have for the Mishkodeh is still very much alive in 2024. As the summer draws to an end, we wanted to reflect a little on where we started: as well as where we are now in our journey.
Our history
Truth and Reconciliation Community-Bobcaygeon was formed in 2015 and has been involved in some amazing educational work in this community since then. Out of TRC Bobcaygeon, we formed a group to pursue the idea of acquiring the land at 45 Canal Street, Bobcaygeon. This interest was based on conversations with Gidigaa Migizi-ban (Doug Williams-ban) around the possibly special significance of this area in Indigenous history.
In September, 2021, the Mishkodeh Centre was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the province of Ontario and then in March, 2023 Mishkodeh Centre gained charitable status from the federal government. As you know the journey throughout the past three and a half years has been humbling, exciting, exhilirating, exhausting and at times, frustrating!
Guidance from local First Nations
We have been honoured to be guided along our journey by numerous leaders and community members at Curve Lake First Nation, beginning with the wisdom, comradeship and encouragement of Gidigaa Migizi-ban, and continuing with Chief Keith Knott and Deputy Chief, Jeff Jacobs, former Chief Emily Whetung, Anne Taylor and many more. As well, we have collaborated with former Chief of Alderville First Nation and the Black Oak Savanna group at Alderville.
What is happening with the Mishkodeh at present?
We have come to a crossroads of sorts and wish to provide an update. Many have walked this journey with us, dreamed the dream with us, the dream of a special place of Reconciliation action, learning and awareness in the heart of Bobcaygeon, a place where Indigenous and non-Indigenous can walk together as never before.
The property at 45 Canal Street
We have been in touch with Shiraz Jetha, one of the owners of 45 Canal Street (the dream site for the Mishkodeh Centre), a fine man who has also supported the dream, the vision we put forward. John Kintare, Executive Director of Kawartha Land Trust, has also been an ally in this journey and would very much like to partner with us. However, both organizations cannot proceed with an Offer to Puchase unless it is based on Fair Market Value (FMV). The owners of the property are hoping for an amount which is far above the FMV.
The Mishkodeh Dream continues!
Miigwetch to all of you for your commitment, your hard work and for sharing the dream of the Mishkodeh Centre for Indigenous Knowledge. We do not know what will happen next, but the vision and the dream will carry us forward to the next stage in the Mishkodeh journey.
Recently we visited the Kawartha Land Trust’s Hammer Family Nature Preserve on Pigeon Lake. This property comprises 1400 acres of forests, wetlands, fields and natural shoreline. Community Engagement Coordinator, Heidi Burns is conducting a community consultation process there on behalf of Kawartha Land Trust and we are very excited about a possible collaboration there. Ideas are flowing for some exciting programs in the future!
We will keep readers updated as we move forward along this exciting journey.
