Ska-Nah-Doht

Ska-Nah-doht 

Part of my series encouraging you to “love your hood” & act like a tourist in your hometown.

It’s all about finding the places near your that match your passion & exploring them.

As you’re all aware by now, I love the Earth & I grew up in the arctic. These two things are inseparable for me & Ska-Nah-Doht is an absolutely wonderful place that provides education and history in a stunning setting.

Thank you to all the community partners & especially The Lower Thames Conservation Authority for making this such a great spot to visit & for your contribution to keeping the history of our First Nation’s People alive.

High on my list of must-see places to visit again and again!

What an amazing place this must be to work.  We met Rose in the museum – she was enjoying the peace and quiet after a week full of students visiting!

Near the parking lot is a great trail map

From the website;

Our Mission

Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum is an interactive museum that engages the public in the preservation and presentation of local First Nation history, through experiences both on-site and in the community.

Our Vision

Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum is a community leader in collecting and preserving local history, while faithfully interpreting the Haudenosaunee – People of the Longhouse.

Background

In 1973, the Ska-Nah-Doht Village, located within Longwoods Road Conservation Area was constructed. It features a village reflective of the Native settlements found along the river close to 1,000 years ago. This village, created with the information gathered by archaeologists and First Nation peoples, offers tours, workshops and an opportunity to see how First Nations people once lived. It is also a popular attraction for local residents and tourists alike. Amazingly in the 1980’s, archaeologists excavated 2 actual First Nations settlements at Longwoods, dating back to the same time period depicted through Ska-Nah-Doht. Artifacts from these ‘digs’ are housed and displayed at the Museum located in the Resource Centre which also has a souvenir gift shop and washrooms.

In 2008, a new logo was created for Ska-Nah-Doht by Ian Bullock, a Multi-Media Design student who was hired through a Young Canada Works in Heritage Grant. Ian was inspired by the legends and beadwork designs of the Haudenosaunee or “People of the Longhouse”. It is this First Nations culture that Ska-Nah-Doht represents in its recreated village and educational programs.