Wahta Mohawks Trust

Welcome to the Wáhta Mohawk Community Trust (WMCT). We are proud to manage and grow community resources that support a stronger, more vibrant Wáhta.

What is the WMCT?

The Wáhta Mohawk Community Trust was created in 2005 following a land claims settlement agreement with the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. Through this settlement, the community received $9,568,736.00, which was placed into a Trust to ensure it would benefit Wáhta today and the next seven generations to come. The Trust is a separate legal entity from the Wáhta Mohawk Band Council, meaning it’s fully independent and governed by rules that ensure transparency, accountability, and community benefit. The trust operates independently in accordance with its governing Trust Agreement. Please note The Trust cannot distribute funds per capita (directly to individuals). Instead, it supports projects that benefit the community as a whole.

What Does the Trust Do?

• Invest settlement funds responsibly;
• Generate income that supports community-based initiatives; and
• Ensure the money is protected and not misused.

The Trust Agreement outlines:

• How the Trust operates;
• How income can and can’t be used; and
• The roles and responsibilities of our Trustees.

Who Oversees the Trust?

• Elected Trustees (by Wáhta Mohawks citizens, every three years)
• 2 Appointed Trustees (by Wáhta Mohawks Band Council)

The current Trustees are:

• Council Appointed: Philip Franks
• Council Appointed: Amy Davidson
• Elected Trustee: Kristal Strength
• Elected Trustee: Shirley Hay
• Elected Trustee: Tim Thompson (Chair)
• Ariel Berwick serves as the Trust Coordinator.

How Are the Funds Managed?

Our funds are professionally managed by Scotia Wealth Management. Portfolio Manager: Ian Blair
Trustees also participate in national training, including conferences hosted by NATOA (National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association) to stay current on investment best practices.

What Has the Trust Funded?

Since 2017, WMCT has proudly supported numerous community projects such as:

• Wahta Dialect Dictionary (May 10, 2017) – $17,000.00
• Community Garden (May 10, 2017) – $5,011.58
• Playground Improvements (May 10, 2017) – $50,000.00
• Public Works Shed (April 23, 2018) – $5,424.00
• Traffic Calming on District Road 38 (April 23, 2018) – $11,232.20
• Administration Office Roof Replacement (July 31, 2018) – $923,395.25
• Wahta Gym Revitalization (October 29, 2018) – $38,461.17
• Chiefs Monument Restoration (November 4, 2019) – $10,000.00
• Kubota Tractor with Attachments and a Dodge Ram 1500 Truck (November 21, 2023) – $154,168.00
• New Mower (August 20, 2024) – $21,606.00
• Total Gate (May 12, 2025) – $44,058.70

Call for Proposals

We want to hear from you! Do you have a project that will uplift our community? We invite Wáhta Mohawk citizens and Chief & Council to submit proposals for funding community-based initiatives. Project submissions from Chief and Council must include a Council Resolution. Proposal forms and a copy of the Trust agreement is available from the Trust Coordinator at admin@wahtamohawkstrust.org.

Niáwenhkó:wa (Thank You)