About Us

VISION
To build a stronger community by inspiring a passion for our history, arts and culture that has an impact regionally, nationally and beyond.
MISSION
To bring enjoyment and an understanding of art, history and cultural heritage while inspiring creativity and encouraging lifelong learning for the communities we serve.
VALUES
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- Respect
- Excellence
- Creativity
- Courage
- Collaboration
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND COMMITMENT STATEMENT
We acknowledge that the land on which The Muse is set is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, territory covered by Treaty #3, signed in 1873, and the Treaty Adhesion signed by the Métis in 1875.
The Muse commits to embrace and live the values known as The Seven Grandfathers – respect, love, truth, bravery, wisdom, generosity and humility – values we all esteem. It is our commitment that we will, to the best of our ability, live out these values in our work and purposes so that we can build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and individuals; represent their history and culture accurately and respectively; involve their members in our work from a position of humility and an attitude of learning so that what we do and present here at the Museum and at the Art Centre will be honest and honouring.
STAFF DIRECTORY
The Muse Director
Lori Nelson
[email protected]
807-467-2202
Museum Educator
Braden Murray
[email protected]
807-467-2105
Community Engagement Officer
Marcus Jeffrey
[email protected]
807-467-2105
Art Centre Curator
Shelby Smith
[email protected]
807-467-2201
Art Centre Programmer
Tammy Zebruck
[email protected]
807-467-2201
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
1989 | Ontario Historical Society Scadding Award of Excellence – recognizing a historical or heritage group which has made an outstanding contribution to the field of history. |
2011 | Ontario Historical Society Museum Award of Excellence in Community Involvement and Programming for Bakaan ngii-izhi-gakinoo’amaagoomin: We were taught differently: The Indian residential school experience. |
2012 | Ontario Museum Association Award of Excellence in Special Projects – for the Lake of the Woods Museum’s Mobile Tour. |
2015 | Ontario Museum Association Award of Excellence – Honourable Mention in Community Programming for The Kenora Great War Project |
2020 | Ontario Historical Society Museum Award of Excellence – Indigenous History Award for Shiibaashka’igan: Honouring the Sacred Jingle Dress |
THE MUSE BOARD (2018-2022)
- Rita Boutette – Chair
- Jennifer Pyzer Whetter – Vice Chair
- Robert Bulman – Secretary-Treasurer
- Tracy Lindstrom
- Lorelei Van Belleghem
- Lesley Ratchford
- Chris Van Walleghem – Council Representative
- Anna Harty
- Terence Douglas
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
- The Museum Advisory Committee
- The Art Centre Advisory Committee
- The Indigenous Advisory Committee
ANNUAL REPORT
Did you know?
There is archaeological evidence of people living on the Lake of the Woods for thousands of years. Radiocarbon dating places humans at the north end of the lake as early as 200 B.C.