Renaming Muskoka Road 38
New Name for Muskoka Road 38: Kanien’kehá:ka Iohatátie
Learn how to pronounce
Kanien’kehá:ka Iohatátie
The first road in Muskoka to be renamed in honour of local Indigenous history and culture, is one step closer to being realized.
As this pivotal moment draws closer each day, it becomes increasingly clear - the renaming of Muskoka Road 38 represents a critical milestone in recognizing the history, culture and language of the Wahta Mohawks First Nation.
With overwhelming community support, the Wahta Mohawks First Nation led the engagement and name-selection process this winter and received numerous name options for consideration.
A Tri-Council meeting was scheduled in late February and brought together members from the Wahta Mohawks First Nation, the Township of Muskoka Lakes, and the District of Muskoka. The meeting was chaired by Township of Georgian Bay Mayor Peter Koetsier.
From the numerous submissions, the proposed new name was unanimously supported by the Tri-Council members.
The new name has been supported by the Council of the Wahta Mohawks and the decision is planned to be ratified in April during The Township of Muskoka Lakes Council meeting.
On March 20, 2023 Muskoka District Council passed a unanimous resolution to support the new name.
Audio-visual learning supports have been created by Wahta Mohawks First Nation and can be accessed online at https://youtu.be/EHbpyt70Tec
Background
Throughout Ontario and beyond, municipalities have begun to recognize how systemic racism and discrimination are embedded in place names and public and municipal assets. In response, municipalities are undertaking asset renaming projects to better reflect community values and demonstrate how residents collectively choose to honour the past and shape the future.
In August 2021, Muskoka District Council approved the Strengthening Indigenous Relations Strategy 2.0. One of the actions outlined in this strategy is to undertake a Road and Place Name Audit, and to compile a list of disrespectful and /or inappropriate road and place names with a goal to rename. Further, as a way to inform future renaming efforts, Muskoka District Council approved a pilot project be undertaken to rename Muskoka Road 38.
The District Municipality of Muskoka, in partnership with Wahta Mohawks First Nation and the Township of Muskoka Lakes, has initiated a process to rename Muskoka Road 38 to better reflect its Indigenous history, as well as the Indigenous culture of the Wahta Mohawk community through which it passes.
The partnership anticipates incalculable benefits from this renaming effort, including:
- Increased community awareness of Wahta Mohawk culture, language and history;
- Increased community awareness of, and commitment to, Truth and Reconciliation, as well as the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s 94 Calls to Action;
- Increased community commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism; and
- Stronger Indigenous-municipal relations.
About Muskoka Road 38
Muskoka Road 38 extends from Highway 169 in Bala, through Wahta Mohawk Territory, to Highway 400 at exit 177. The District of Muskoka is responsible for its upkeep, maintenance and repair.
While some secondary roads within Wahta Mohawk Territory have Mohawk names, Muskoka Road 38, which is the main road through the territory, has never been renamed and was not originally named in consultation with Wahta Mohawks First Nation.
Muskoka Road 38, including it’s offshoot roads, is home to approximately 200 residential and commercial properties and the changing of this road name will impact not only members of the Wahta Mohawks First Nation, but residents of the Township of Muskoka Lakes as well.
Goodwill Payments
Muskoka District Council approved funding for those impacted by the Muskoka Road 38 name change. Residents, property owners and business owners with addresses on Muskoka Road 38 will be able to apply for a goodwill payment of $100 per household or business.
This payment is being provided to offset the time and costs involved in activities such as updating identification, updating contact information, changing signage, updating business materials, etc. Each residential unit, property owner or business address will be eligible for one goodwill payment only.
Business owners anticipating financial hardship by this road name change, are encouraged to contact Tina Kilbourne, Project Manager, at 705-645-1200 x 4308 or tina.kilbourne@muskoka.on.ca.
Further information about this process will be provided at a later date, including a direct mailout to impacted addresses.
Supports for Residents, Property Owners and Businesses
The District of Muskoka is committed to ensuring those most impacted by this road name change have the supports they need.
Supports for those impacted by the Muskoka Road 38 name change will include:
- A Resident Toolkit, which will include information about who needs to be updated and how to update addresses, as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs);
- Information about mail forwarding options with Canada Post;
- Regular updates as the project progresses;
- A dedicated project manager for anyone needing more detailed information or one-on-one support; and
- Goodwill payments to offset associated costs incurred by for those impacted by the Muskoka Road 38 name change.
More Information
This project page will be updated as the project progresses. Check back often for links to new reports to Muskoka District Council, to access the Resident Toolkit when it is available, to request a goodwill payment in 2023, to track project milestones, to read media releases and more.
For more information on the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table go to www.engagemuskoka.ca/mailt
