Muskoka Conservancy brought together First Nations representatives, conservation organizations, community partners, funders and regional stakeholders on Friday, September 25, for Opening Pathways, an afternoon focused on building relationships, sharing knowledge and exploring opportunities for collaboration in land stewardship.
Held at the MapleCross–Fraserburg Nature Reserve, the gathering included participants from Georgina Island, Rama, Wahta, Wasauksing, Pikwàkanagàn and Oneida, as well as representatives from organizations working in conservation, Indigenous advocacy, employment and skills development, land trusts, community heritage and environmental stewardship.
The event opened with ceremony, song and remarks from Brian Sarazin of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation. Joanne Smith, a Muskoka Conservancy volunteer, and Greg Padulo of Generation Seven Consulting offered a land acknowledgement before Muskoka Conservancy Executive Director Scott Young welcomed participants.
Fireside conversations explored shared opportunities for conservation, stewardship and community prosperity. Speakers Kathleen Padulo of the Chiefs of Ontario, Valerie Vanderwyk of Indigenous Skills, Employment, Apprenticeship, and Development (ISEAD), Lillian Trapper of the Chiefs of Ontario and Nature Canada, and Ian Attridge of the Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts shared perspectives on Indigenous protected and conserved areas, land trust partnerships, employment and entrepreneurship, community-led stewardship, and the importance of bringing Indigenous knowledge and voices into conservation planning.
The discussions reflected a shared interest in protecting land and water, supporting healthy ecosystems, investing in young people and future conservation leaders, and advancing meaningful partnerships and economic reconciliation.
“Opening Pathways was an opportunity to listen, learn and begin building relationships grounded in mutual respect for the land, the water and future generations,” said Scott Young, Executive Director of Muskoka Conservancy. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed their knowledge and vision, and we look forward to continuing this conversation together.”
Participants also discussed the potential for conservation properties to serve as outdoor classrooms and places for learning, stewardship and connection. Future opportunities may include interpretive walks, Indigenous-language signage and place names, training programs, collaborative restoration projects, youth engagement, and expanded Indigenous participation in conservation organizations and governance.
The gathering also identified opportunities to connect partners around initiatives such as black ash stewardship, Indigenous youth engagement, joint funding applications, employment and skills development, and the exploration of Indigenous-led land trusts and other collaborative conservation models.
Muskoka Conservancy extends its thanks to the event’s organizing team—Greg, Joanne, Clarke, Jade, Reegan and Tamsen—and to Chef Ken Steele, a member of Oneida Nation of the Thames, who prepared a delicious lunch of locally harvested venison stew with wild mushrooms. Appreciation is also extended to Brian Sarazin and Keon for their songs, and to speakers Kathleen Padulo, Valerie Vanderwyk, Lillian Trapper and Ian Attridge for sharing their knowledge and perspectives.
“This gathering sets into motion an ongoing conversation around land stewardship between Muskoka Conservancy, First Nations and a collaborative network of partners, funders and stakeholders in Muskoka and the broader region,” said Young. “We are excited to continue this journey together.”
Muskoka Conservancy is grateful to all those who attended and contributed to the afternoon. The organization looks forward to nurturing the relationships begun at Opening Pathways and working with partners toward a more inclusive, collaborative and connected future for conservation in Muskoka and beyond.
