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"A Family Tradition for 127 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, November 16,1993 - 15 Teachers attend native awareness seminar By Julia Dempsey Port Perry Star More than 100 elementary and secondary school teachers have a better understanding of native culture and issues after attending a native awareness seminar at Port Perry High School on Friday, Nov. 12. The day-long seminar was or- ganized by teacher Terry Boyle who, over the past four years, has lobbied to have a native studies course added to the sec- ondary school curriculum. "We're very poorly informed about aboriginal people in North America," Mr. Boyle said. "Although I'm not native, I feel in my heart the need to bridge the relationship between abo- riginal people and myself." Chief Gary Edgar of the Mis- sissaugas of Scugog Island First Nation said the public needs to become more informed on "who we are, what we are, what we stand for, and where we hope to go." He gave a brief history of the Scugog Island First Nation, in- cluding how the group ended up on Scugog Island without any lake frontage. Because of the present land claim disputes, Chief Edgar said there is a lot of fear among the non-native population. "We are not going to be taking over anybody's homes," the chief said. "You don't have any- thing to fear." He said both levels of govern- ment have admitted the natives were treated unfairly and a set- tlement will be made. Because: the government can't afford cash settlements, available land and available crown land will be given to the natives, Chief Edgar said. A land settlement would be ideal for the Scugog Island First Nation. With 400 acres of crown land with lake frontage adjoin- ing the reserve, a land settle- ment would give the group ac- cess to the waterfront. "We're on an island without frontage to the lake," Chief Ed- gar said. "Wateris one of the key elements (to our society) both spiritually and culturally." The Scugog Island First Na- tion has been extremely busy in recent years in its bid to raise awareness of the group. Last year, the group opened Native Perspectives, a native art and craft store on Queen Street in Port Perry. After many months of con- Board wants public input From page 1 er this year by the board as sug- gested cuts. Mrs. Drew stresses, however, these areas are tenta- tive. "It's only a list of areas. Peo- ple shouldn't determine these ascuts." Mrs. Drew said the budget process, similar to last year's, is to "provide quality education to the students in the most eco- nomical way." The board expects to lose a significant amount of money as aresultofthe provincial govern- ment's grant reduction plans. This will put pressure on the board to find alternative meth- ods without increasing taxes. Mrs. Drew said a lot remains unknown until the government announcesits intentions. "We must plug away at the budget the best we can and hope the government doesn't do it to us too badly this year," she said. struction, work should be com- pleted on its community centre this week. The Scugog Island First Na- tion is also looking forward to the opening of its charitable gaming facility this spring. The group also wants to set up a wood plant where members of the native community can learn the furniture making trade. All of these initiatives are part of the Scugog Island First Nation's plan towards self- sufficiency. Chief Edgar said the Missis- saugas of Seugog Island First Nation has a membership of 140. Fifty people live on the re- serve. A recent survey by the group found that 80 per cent of the members who don't live on the reserve would like the op- portunity to move home, he said. Other speakers during the dayincluded Jacob Thomas, Er- nie Sandy, and Sherry Lawson. fr cane 'do "About 100 elementary and secondary school teachers attended a Native Awareness seminar at Port Perry High School on Friday. Speaking on the subject were (from left) Ja- cob Thomas, Gary Edgar, Ernie Sandy, Sherry Lawson, and Terry Boyle (co-ordinator of the event). See story for details. - . ° ede LIST 0n oamon. ## Hey Boys & Girls! Be sure to visit Santa in his new - Christmas Castle, in the - Eaton's Court, at Oshawa Centre. Bring along your letter for Santa and be sure to address the envelope to: Santa Ho Ho Ho ccompanied with your return address \® Wy/ \oV a Zz 2A INNA Ganta's Hours ares 2 WA \ZAN No Monday-Friday reg 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. TY o Saturday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. * Sunday 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. Note: Saturday, Nov. 20th hours will be 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. FOOD + FASHION ¢ SERVICES * HOME DECOR AND MUCH MORE! THE MAKING OF A MALL «YOU'VE GOT A PART IN IT! CENTRE 180 stores including Sears, Eaton's Zellers, The Bay and Loblaws. 419 King St. West. Phone 728-6231. Buses stop at the entrance.