A L M A G U I N F O R E S T E R Entertainment ALMAGUIN FORESTER, Thursday, August 28, 2008 PAGE 5

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It’s time for sowing seeds and sewing traditions

Although the weather was inclement, and at times the rain torrential, spirits were not dampened for those who came on Saturday, Aug. 9 to the Burk’s Falls and District Heritage Centre/Museum. Everyone was shoulder to shoulder as people crowded into the one-room schoolhouse for the launch of the Heritage Weekend festivities. The events began with a moving and meaningful Sweetgrass Burning ceremony performed by Rama Mnjikaning First Nation Elder Barry Stiles, who was very much at home as he attended a similar one-room school as a child.

Stiles was pleased to present to the museum a Thunderbird dropping (ancient flint) found in only two locations in North America. He took pride in conducting the smudging ceremony, which included the distribution of tobacco bundles. Those attending were given a bundle to cast on their own property as a gift to the Creator. Fruits and berries were also distributed among the audience – blueberries in keeping with the summer season, and strawberries for their heart shape. Stiles said that the most nutritious part of a strawberry is the cluster of green leaves and stem, which many disregard.

There was a time of meditation to listen to the Ojibway Prayer. It was a time to discover, explore and experience the teachings of the Aboriginal way of life. Stiles was very personable, knowledgeable and humorous. He shared with us the love of the land, stressing the importance of the hunting grounds that are found in the Almaguin area.

Following was a presentation by 14 members of the Northern Spirit Kwe Drumming Circle, based in North Bay,

which is comprised of women from many walks of life who are brought together by the spirit of the drum – the heartbeat of Mother Earth. It is one of the few drumming groups comprised solely of women.

In appreciation, everyone present signed a copy of the recently published Ryerson Township History, which will be included in the collection of the cultural and research department at Rama, as a reminder of the Aboriginal Day in Burk’s Falls.

On Sunday, Heritage Weekend continued with bannock making (a food common to virtually all of North America’s First Peoples), baked to perfection on an open fire by Linda Maurer; tours of the museum and toe-tapping music by the Burk’s Falls Express.

Historical Society president Betty Caldwell wishes to thank everyone who attended and those who assisted with this community event. Stiles commended the local historical society for their efforts to preserve items and documents pertaining to local history before they are lost – forever.

Interestingly, artwork pertaining to Grey Owl and his descendants was on view at the community gallery at the Blue Canoe in South River until Aug. 17. This exhibit brought into focus canoe-tripping by artist Tom Thomson and conservationist Grey Owl, particularly on the Mississauga River.

Young people add excitement and vitality to many events. They are the future. This year, kids will be the focus at the Burk’s Falls Fair on Labour Day weekend. There will be special entertainment and activities including games, a pineapple bowl, a petting zoo and performances by Jam Sandwich and Cindy Cook of TVO’s Polka Dot Door. There’ll be lot of fun for those who are young and those who are young at heart.

On Tuesday, Aug. 12, the Sundridge Horticultural Society staged their annual summer flower and vegetable show at the

SSJ arena featuring some 148 entries and including some spectacular decorative designs. The society was pleased to have Adrian Vander Bijl of Callander as judge. Special guests at the event were the Almaguin Quilters’ Guild, who mounted a stunning display of quilts.

Winners of the Horticultural Show: Judge’s Choice and the Royal Bank Trophy – Judy High; Most points in flowers – Barbara Bryson; Most points in vegetables and the Charlie Amos Trophy – Debbie Parkes; Most points in potted plants – Diana Villiers; Most points in annuals – Dan Oakes; Most points in perennials – Barbara Bryson; Most points in arrangements – Liz Trolove; Most points in roses – Suzanne Nugent/Lois Tait; Most points in hanging containers (annuals) – Judy High; Most points in outdoor containers – Lois Tait; Best basket and The Reverend Hiltz Trophy - Liz Trolove; Best flowering plant – Diana Villiers; Best foliage plant – Lois Tait; Best tomatoes – Chris Ellis; Best Cucumbers – Debbie Parkes; Best Potatoes – Suzanne Nugent; and best rhubarb – Diana Villiers. Best arrangement in sections Q, R and T

– Diana Villiers, and best arrangement in section S – Liz Trolove.

Among the winners in the Young Artists Show at the South River Public School, staged in conjunction with the South River Festival of the Arts, were entries by Elizabeth Primeau for her Thunderbird rendering and Victoria Primeau for her drawing of her running shoe. The show highlighted art by children in the Almaguin area.

Entries are being accepted for the group exhibition at the Blue Canoe Gallery in keeping with the theme, “In My Father’s Time: Historical Near North.” Use your imagination. The show opens tonight, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.

It’s time to think about entries in the Burk’s Falls Fair. Prize books and entry forms are available from society secretary Laurie Clements at 382-2850. Entries are to be prepared, tagged and must be delivered to the fairgrounds between 8 and 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30. Each and every entry is important. Plan to participate!

In this season of Agricultural Fairs, we are reminded that the OAAS theme for 2008 is: Sowing Seeds … Sewing traditions.

e n t e r t a i n m e n t

State of the ArtsLiz Trolove

Summer may be winding down but there are still lots of arts events to enjoy