Miskodeh Centre for Indigenous Knowledge

05/19/2026

https://trcbobcaygeon.org/bobcaygeon-150-celebration/

04/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AfN6jjraU/

A statement from Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige on :

03/14/2026

In her latest award-winning book, Theory of Water, Simpson draws on the Anishinaabe creation story, Indigenous ethics of relationality and reciprocity, and the wisdom of water to chart a course for remaking a better, more sustainable and just world. Listen on IDEAS https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/audio/9.7076367 Leanne Betasamosake Simpson: Theory of Water

The world as we know it appears to be unravelling and becoming unmade at a bewildering and unnerving pace, but as Anishinaabe scholar, author and musician Leanne Betasamosake Simpson notes, that’s an experience all too familiar to Indigenous peoples, whose worlds were undone by colonialism. In her...

03/14/2026

Blanket Exercise

03/03/2026

https://www.tldsb.ca/media-release-outdoor-education-and-indigenous-centre/

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) has received approval from the Ministry of Education to build a large-scale Kindergarten to Grade 12 Outdoor Education and Indigenous Centre.

02/19/2026

A special Indigenous Storytime this weekend at the Lindsay Library https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ai1or76Kk/

For the first time, a storytelling program in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language at the Lindsay Library. The story will be read in the language (Ojibwe) and English as well to be accessible to all. Coming up this weekend.

02/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gh9cPrRsG/

02/12/2026

https://ilrtoday.ca/hiawatha-first-nation-open-letter-to-the-prime-minister-of-canada-regarding-the-public-address-given-at-the-world-economic-forum-in-davos/

Press Release February 9, 2026 Re: Open Letter to the Prime Minister of Canada Regarding the Public Address Given at the World Economic Forum in Davos Aaniin Prime Minister Carney, Boozhoo. Atik Dodem, Ajijak Dodem, Mgizi Kwe Ndishnikaz, Laurie Nooswin, Minoomingaming Ndoonjaba, Michi Saagiig Anishi...

01/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ByAqmFP3m/

Martha Whetung Names the Kawarthas

To the end of the nineteenth century, the lakes of South Central Ontario were typically just called the Trent Valley, which was assured a place in the Canadian English-language public, because of the never-ending political lobbying to get the Trent Canal built. Once the region was served by railways, tourism became practical. The Muskoka Lakes were already a successful destination, and if the Trent Valley had a similar handle, the Grand Trunk Railway would promote the region alongside the Muskoka Lakes, ensuring that many more visitors would come.

The Trent Valley Navigation Company (who hoped to profit because tourists would need their steamships to get around the region), Bobcaygeon Reeve Albert Edward Bottum and Bobcaygeon Independent publisher Charles Stewart set out to create a new name as the new century began. These promoters hoped to capitalize on the international fascination with indigenous peoples to maximize the appeal of the region. So, they travelled to Curve Lake and asked their friend Martha Whetung to propose a name. She suggested Ka Wasa (Ka = Water, Wasa = Shining). By the time they got back to Bobcaygeon it had become Kawatha. They sent the name off to the Acme Marketing Company of Buffalo (Looney Tunes fans may appreciate that there really was an ACME), who added the ‘r.’ Before long there were brochures all over North America, which employed much creative licence to transform the region into a pristine, natural, health resort. By this time, “Kawartha” was translated as “bright waters and happy lands.” Many locals could see how exaggerated the claims were and that Kawartha was not actually a word, but there was no doubting the effectiveness of the advertising campaign.

Within a few years the Trent Valley had become the Kawarthas, a popular destination for visitors from throughout North America. The Trent Valley Navigation Company quickly found that despite the influx of visitors, offering a coordinated network of steam transportation was not profitable, especially as gas powered motor boats appeared, and the railway reached Bobcaygeon, so they folded. But a trip through the beautiful lakes on one of their white paddlewheelers, adorned with maple woodwork and red plush seats was the original iconic image of the Kawarthas.

For her help, Martha Whetung received free passage for life on Trent Valley Navigation Company steamers. She died just as the company was winding up, and its manager, W.T.C. Boyd donated her tombstone.

12/22/2025

Shirley Williams will be deeply missed by the many whose lives she touched.

"She carried her family, her community, and her language with deep love and responsibility throughout her life.
Inspired by the late Josephine Ba Mandamin, Shirley became a dedicated Water Walker, answering the call to protect the waters for future generations."

"Shirley was one of the most influential Anishinaabemowin educators and language champions of her generation. A survivor of St. Joseph’s Residential School in Spanish, Ontario, she braided Anishinaabemowin despite the harms she endured, becoming a leading force in its revitalization."

View Dr. Shirley Ida Eliza Mary Immaculata Pheasant-Cywink-Williams's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.