Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table signs historic Friendship Accord

November 7, 2022 (Muskoka, ON) – The strong relationships developed through the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table (MAILT) were celebrated on October 6, 2022, with the historic signing of the Muskoka Indigenous Leadership Table Friendship Accord.

With their eyes on the future, MAILT members gathered at The Chippewas of Rama First Nation territory for this historic signing event. The Chippewas of Rama First Nation was a fitting location for this signing event as the Chippewas of Rama First Nation territory, once part of a larger community called Chippewas of Lake Simcoe and Lake Huron, was led by Chief Yellowhead, also known as Musquakie, the name from which the word Muskoka was derived.

History was made on October 6, 2022.

The signing of the Friendship Accord establishes a mutual ongoing commitment to the framework, intent and principles of engagement between participating members of the MAILT as represented by elected officials and senior staff.

It establishes values, guiding principles and a process through which joint projects can be identified and completed and was signed on October 6, 2022 by: 

• Chief Ted Williams on behalf of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation
• Chief Rhonda Williams-Lovett on behalf of the Moose Deer Point First Nation
• Tammy Porter President of the Moon River Métis Council
• Chief Philip Franks on behalf of the Wahta Mohawks First Nation
• District Chair John Klinck on behalf of the District of Muskoka
• Mayor Rick Maloney on behalf of the Town of Bracebridge
• Mayor Paul Kelly on behalf of the Town of Gravenhurst
• Mayor Karin Terziano on behalf of the Town of Huntsville
• Mayor Peter Koetsier on behalf of the Township of Georgian Bay
• Mayor Terry Glover on behalf of the Township of Lake of Bays
• Mayor Phil Harding on behalf of the Township of Muskoka Lakes

Additionally, the Huron-Wendat Nation, based out of Quebec City, has indicated they will sign when their elections conclude.

About MAILT

The MAILT was first created in 2019 in an effort to strengthen Indigenous-municipal relations across Muskoka. The inaugural meeting was held on June 18, 2019 at Moose Deer Point.

MAILT membership is open to the eight Indigenous Nations that have a traditional tie or ongoing interest in the lands that encompass modern day Muskoka, the District of Muskoka and the six lower tier municipalities in Muskoka. Currently, MAILT representatives include Chiefs, Mayors, the President of the Moon River Metis Council, other elected officials and senior staff from each organization.

For more information on the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table, the Friendship Accord and to learn more about the accomplishments of the MAILT, please visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/mailt

Quotes

“The Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table is an important forum that has helped strengthen relationships between not only Indigenous Nations and the municipalities in Muskoka, but also between participating Indigenous Nations.”

“The Friendship Accord will ensure that even as membership changes at the table, the MAILT will continue to meet, strengthen relationships and mutual understanding, and continue to strive for mutual benefits.”

- Chief Ted Williams - Chippewas of Rama First Nation, on whose territory the MAILT Friendship Accord was signed. 

 “The MAILT allows leaders to meet, learn about and from one another and deepen the understanding between sovereign Indigenous Nations and Muskoka’s municipalities,”

 “This is a critical forum for moving our communities towards reconciliation and for addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. I’m incredibly proud of the work that has been done at this table.”

- District Chair, John Klinck – The District Municipality of Muskoka