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“Scugog’s First Peoples: A Living History” exhibit officially opens Scugog’s Heritage Centre and Archives is now home to a permanent exhibit called “Scugog’s First Peoples: A Living History”. The exhibit traces 10,000 years of the history of the people who have lived on the shores of Lake Scugog. The official opening of the long awaited exhibit took place Novem- ber 8 at the Scugog Community Centre, where visitors were treated to a smudging ceremony and entertained my First Nation drummers. The Honourable Bev Oda, Mayor Chuck Mercier and Township of Scugog Mayor Chuck Mercier The Hon. Bev Oda Durham MP DECEMBER FOCUS.56.indd 51 of Scugog Island Chief Tracy Gauthier all spoke briefly, before the audience was invited to the Heritage Centre for an official rib- bon cutting. Following the official opening, guests were Dan Denby received a sacred “Eagle’ feath- invited to explore the First Nations’ culture. The er from Della Charles for his years of work and family-friendly exhibit invites visitors to touch, effort in helping bring the heritage of Scugog’s smell and listen to the artifacts on display. First Nation to the public. Above, First Nations drumming performance by Liona Charles, Della Charles, Fay Koss and Jamie Kozlinsky, Janet McCue and Mary Ellis Taylor. Far right, a display case with baskets in the Heritage Centre. FOCUS - DECEMBER 2011 51 1121/11 9:38:34 AM