(Chief Yellowhead, Muskquaki, Mayawassino, Waisowindebay, William Yellowhead)

Musquaki is the origin of the name Muskoka. This picture is drawn from the only known record of Muskquaki, a wooden carving by a renowned eighteenth century sculptor. The original has been reproduced with the assistance of the Rama Cultural Centre and a copy gifted to them in their cultural centre.  Please contact the artist, for a full-sized digital copy and other details.

The Dicti0nary of Canadian Biography IX lists Chief Yellowhead as Head chief of the Ojibawas around lakes Simcoe and Huron. Musquakie is the origin of the name Muskoka.  In 1839 Musquakie and his band settled on the reserve in Rama Township. In 1840 he renewed the friendship treaty with the Six Nations. In 1845 complained that officials attempted to persuade the First Nations people to ignore the powers of their chiefs. (He promoted unity among first nations people.) His funeral took place in The St. James Church in Orillia where it lists his age as 95. A large gathering of whites and First Nations attended out of respect for this influential chief who had often stressed his loyalty to the British Crown.