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- Seugog Citizen -- Tuesday, June 14, 1994 -- 37 A = 4 » i 35 The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation's Community Centre was officially opened last Friday afternoon. Above are at left Chief Gary Edgar, Sue and Harvey Anderson, Chippewas of Rama First Nation and John Kerr, of the Scugog Island First Nation. Members of the Scugog Island United Church were In a happy mood Sunday afternoon as they officially opened a new picnic shelter that will be used for a variety of activities this summer; such 'as bible school and barbeques. Ward 3 councilor Ken Gadsden snipped the ribbon with lots of youngsters looking on. At far right is Rev. Elaine Barber, and beside her are Maurice Hoggard and Bonnie Bell with cakes to mark the occasion. The shelter was constructed through volunteer labour, organized by Jim McGee, Al Carter and Roger Hope. bia b 'Harold and Clara Martyn (at left) were honoured last week for their long standing work with the Scugog Travel Club. Over the past nine years Harold and Clara have taken peopl by Heather McCrae Last Friday, Chief Gary Edgar of the Mississauga's of Scugog Island First Nation watched with pride the official opening of his people's new Community Centre. Attending 'Scugog First Nation opens new the colourful > ceremonies were numerous politicians, native and non- native dignitaries, and many friends. Aileen Iron of the Curve Lake Indian Reserve opened the ceremonies with a prayer of thanksgiving to the Creator. Her mother, Alice Edgdr, who was Chief Edgar's aunt, was born, and raised on Seugog Island. Members of the Rice Lake Drummers, dressed in native costume, entertained the packed hall with cerentonial singing and playing of the drums. Harvey and Sue Anderson of the Rama First Nation participated in the ancient tradition of burning sweet grass. The native people believe the smoke or smudge caused by the burning purifies the mind, body and spirit. Congratulations were extended to the Mississaugas First Nation from Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux and Mel Jacobs, both vice-Chiefs of the United Indian Council. "Your initiative to move 'forward at self-government, and being able to explore your own roots at your*new community centre is to be admired" they said Durham East MPP Gord Mills told the invited guests when he .* was elected in 1990, one of the first things he wanted to do was acquaint himself with the people of the First Nation on Scugog Island. "I'm pleased to have established h friendly Last Post - Centre relationship between my office and chief Edgar" he said. Welcoming everyone to the official opening, Chief Edgar recognized many people, giving his thanks. Among those were the band's two councilors, Richard Edgar and Arthur Goose "who made it possible to move forward" (in self governing) and his" wife, Alice, the Band Administrator. « With reference to recent opposition by some regarding the charitable gaming facility on their lands, Chief Edgar said "we will not do anything to hurt the community. We all live here, native and non-native, caring and sharing in the community." Just under 5,000 square feet, the community centre was designed by Harry R. Ruddock Architects in Peterborough with the building contracted by Scugog residents, Dave Taylor and Pat Versage of Kirby Structures. Resembling a huge life saver, a round table sits in the Council Chambers, signifying the "circle of life", which native tradition believes is a sign of infinity. The kitchen facilities, council chambers and hall are available or rent by all groups within Scugog, native or non-native. For further information on rentals, call 985-3337. Funds were raised by the Mississauga people and provincial grants obtained from the Provincial Ministry of Citizenship and Ministry of Tourism and Recreation. Grace was said by Elaine Barber, minister of the Island UC and everyone enjoyed a delicious luncheon served by the Grace UCW. Bob Archer Legion Past President Recently, Branch 419 and the Legion as a whole, lost an officer and a gentleman. Robert (Bob) Archer started his service career in the 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion RC returned overseas for a second stint when sufficient troops were available to send in Canada Ironically, Bob was himsel! returned to overseas duty ir Engineers on the 14th of May, 1940. Sent overseas in June 1940; he served with the VII Corps Troop Engineers, rising in the ranks from Sapper to Staff Sergeant. He was recommended for commission by Gen. Melville and Colonel Storm. After pre-OCTU entrancey and the OCTU course, Bob was commissioned a Lieutenant on 2nd April 1943 and transferred to Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps. After numerous more courses, he was promoted to Captain on 2 October 1943, and made Paymaster at the 3rd Div. RCASC in 1943 prior to being shipped to the Mediterranean Theatre in the fall of 1943. Bob was aboard the troop ship Santa Helena when she was torpedoed entering the Mediterranean. He was picked up with other survivors, taken to Phillipville, North Africa and then shipped to Italy where he served With the 1 Div. RCASC as J y 1945 until Novembe: 1945. On his final return to Canada he served as Paymaster in the M.D. #2 until his discharge ir August 1946. Bob was awarded: 1939-4: Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal War Medal, CVSM with Clasp. After the war, Bob joinec several associations and club: and joined the Legion at Por Perry in 19756 where he helpec with poppy campaign. As well: 1983-83 House and Propert;, Chairman 1983-94 1st Vice President Editor and Publisher of th: ' Bulletin 1984-85 President, House an( Property Chairman; and othe positions 1985-86 President. Bob made up programs anc arranged speakers for iumerou: occasions over the years fron 1983 to 1985, arranged parades parades, prepared financia "Awarded Life millions of miles without ever leaving the Scugog Library. in fact, they have presented about 80 travel siide shows In that time. They were honoured by the Library Board last week. At right is board president Jim Wills, and Chief Librarian Suzanne White. Harold and Clara pian ; to assist volunteers to continue the Travel Club starting this fall. Pay until Ni ber 1944. On his return to Canada in December 1944, Bob was instrumental in helping to stop rotation leave vets from being ' bership at Branch 419 Por Perry 1989-91 Served as Zone | Chairman.