Photo: Back Row L to R: Chief Philip Franks (Chief, Wahta Mohawks First Nation), Tammy Porter (President, Moon River Métis Council), Mayor Phil Harding (Mayor, Township of Muskoka Lakes), Chair John Klinck (Chair, District Council), Mayor Terry Glover (Mayor, Township of Lake of Bays), Chief Ted Williams (Chief, Chippewas of Rama First Nation), Mayor Rick Maloney (Mayor, Town of Bracebridge), Mayor Peter Koetsier (Mayor, Township of Lake of Bays). Front Row L to R: Chief Rhonda Williams-Lovett (Chief, Moose Deer Point First Nation), Mayor Paul Kelly (Mayor, Town of Gravenhurst), Mayor Karin Terziano (Mayor, Town of Huntsville). (Submitted Photo).
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
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