09/24/2026
What a grand event!
The Ska-Nah-Doht Museum Revitalization Recognition Event was held last night - Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Longwoods Road Conservation Area - 8348 Longwoods Road, Mount Brydges, ON. It was well attended!
From the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) - Alison Klages - Curator of the Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum and Education Team Lead emceed and welcomed everyone. Mariah Alexander - Indigenous Community Educator provided the opening thanks. Mark Peacock - CAO Secretary-Treasurer, began the presentations with a background and overview of the Indigenous Learning Centre construction and the revitalization of the museum. Paul Tiessen - Chair of the LTVCA also spoke about the importance of the project to the community, bringing greetings from the Conservation Authority's Board of Directors and Municipalities.
Ken Brooks - President of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Foundation, brought greetings from its Directors and Members, and reflected on the idea of the project and the Foundation's fundraising campaign's early beginnings and accomplishments. Ken recognized the generous donations made by Dr. Ron Williamson (a prominent Canadian archaeologist) and Mr. Andy Spriet and Spriet Associates Engineers & Architects of London towards the project. He also encouraged the audience to view the donor board just outside the new hall listing all donors to the project.
Susan Clarke, the Warden of Middlesex County brought greetings from the County and expressed the importance of the new Indigenous Learning Centre to the local communities and abroad, and noted the generous donation from the proceeds of the Warden's Golf Tournament to the cause.
Kristi White - author of The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo, reflected on the importance of education and how well the Ska-Nah-Doht Museum filled its role of Indigenous Heritage Learning and environmental education. Kristi had her amazing children's books on display. She also introduced DJ White, Fancy Feather Dancer.
DJ White's fancy feather dance was amazing. He introduced himself and explained how he had been dancing over 25 years! The colours, movements and song were enthusiastically applauded and through out the night, he received many thanks.
Dr. Ron Williamson - a major donor to the new Indigenous Learning Centre concluded the program with a heartfelt reminisce of his early beginnings at Longwoods Road Conservation Area as the LTVCA's staff archaeologist from 1979 into the early 1980's. He had excavated three sites within a 'stones throw' of the Ska-Nah-Doht Village. Dr. Williamson claims his success as a renowned Canadian archaeologist was as a result of his reckoning of the connection between the cultural heritage and natural heritage and at Longwoods. Another early lesson he learned while working at Longwoods back in the 80's was the appreciation of local Indigenous heritage and his own heritage through the staff interactions. He was very thankful of the early friendships with the Longwoods and Ska-Nah-Doht staff - a group of people that worked as a great team along side his team.
Refreshments throughout the evening were provided by Chef Katsi’tsyo Tawnya Brant. Chef Tawnya is a Mohawk woman, a chef for 24 years, who currently resides on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Many thanks to her for the amazing cookies, appetizers and drinks that were simply delicious and enjoyed by all!
After the formalities, Alison invited guests to tour through the museum, explore the new changes, and wander outdoors to the heritage log cabins for s'mores over a bonfire.
Thank you to everyone for a perfect event!
