Simcoe County Historical Association

Preserving the Past, In the Present, For the Future

Janine Harris-Wheatley

Janine Harris-Wheatley (B.A. University of Kings College, M.L.S. University of Toronto) was born in Edmonton then lived in Cape Breton, Halifax, Toronto, Fredericton, Edmonton again, and Regina before settling in South Simcoe in 1985. She retired as CEO of Essa Public Library in 2014. It was during her 28 years of library service at the Beeton, New Tecumseth, and Essa Public Libraries that she first became interested in local history. Janine is an Honourary Life Member of the South Simcoe Arts Council and was on the Board of Next Step Literacy Council of South Simcoe for several years. She served seven years as President of the Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury Historical Society and two terms on the New Tecumseth Heritage Advisory Committee. She is currently serving her first term on the Museum on the Boyne Advisory Committee and her third term on the New Tecumseth Accessibility Advisory Committee, representing the viewpoint of a person with vision loss.

Simcoe County Historical Association Land Acknowledgement

In recognition of those who walked this land before us, Simcoe County Historical Association acknowledges that we gather on the ancestral
territory of the Anishinaabek Nations: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi, who collectively are known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We remember
too the people of the Wendat who once made this land their home. We acknowledge with regret that in the past we have not lived in harmony
with the Indigenous People of Turtle Island and our relationship has not been one of true friendship based on honesty, generosity, and mutual respect.
Today we recognize the enduring presence of the people of the Chippawa Tri-Council: Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and Chippewas of Rama First Nations, as well as the people of the Métis Nation, the Inuit, and other First Nations who have chosen to make their
homes in this region. The members of the Simcoe County Historical Association recognize that we have much to learn from the history, culture, and teachings of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we now share this land. We are committed to nurturing a spirit of respect, honesty, and reconciliation with all our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit neighbours. Click Here for more info.