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‘First Nations Inspired’ is theme for SCA’s annual Mayor's Art Gala Over the past four years, the Scugog Mayor's Gala for the Arts has become Scugog’s premier fall fundraising gala, raising much needed funds for the Scugog Coun- cil for the Arts (SCA). This year the organizing com- mittee is especially thrilled to part- ner with the Mississaugas of Scugog, Island First Nation (MSIFN) and the Baagwating Community Association to highlight Scugog’s First Nations arts and culture. The gala will take place on Thursday, November 6 and will be held at the Scugog Community Cen- tre at 1655 Reach Rd., Port Perry. The theme of this year’s Mayor’s Gala is First Nations Inspired, and grew from a desire to honour the contribution that Baagwating has made in our community and turn the spotlight on some traditional and contemporary art forms. Dur- ing the planning, volunteers on the committee have learned much about Anishnawabe traditions and values. “The theme, First Nations Inspired, has been a tremendous creative source for everything about the Gala, from the décor to the menu,’ said committee chair Birgitta MacLeod. “Not only will guests be entertained but they’Il also have a taste of both traditional and contem- porary First Nations culture.” The Baag wating Community As- sociation has been a steadfast sup- porter and sponsor of the Mayor’s Gala and this year presents a special opportunity. Drawing on Scugog’s historical relationship with the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island, the theme of this year’s Mayor’s Gala for the Arts will be “First Nations Inspired”. Members of the organizing committee, from left, Elder Harold Ashkewe, Jamie Kozlinsky, Director of Baagwating Association and Birgitta MacLeod, chair of the Mayor's Gala, are seen here with one of the silent auction items — a colourful painting by artist Don Chase called “The Seeker and the Listener.” Photo by J. Peter Hvidsten Chief Kelly Larocca said “the Mississaugas of Scugog Island are delight- ed to have Indigenous Art included and showcased to the public through the Mayor’s Gala. Whether traditional or contemporary, and regardless of the art form, Indigenous art is a statement of cultural expression that is passed down through generations and reflects the past, present and future for our people. We hope that the Scugog community enjoys the richness of what Indigenous art has to offer.” For Mayor Mercier, the partnership comes naturally. “We're very proud of our strong relationship with our First Nations neighbours. We were the first municipality in Ontario and one of the few in Canada to fly a First Na- tions flag in front of the municipal office,” he said. Along with the Baagwating Community Association, this year’s spon- Please turn to page 13 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2014 5