Ten past and current area residents will soon be recognized for their contributions to the local cultural scene.
The Culture Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay has announced the winning recipients of its Inspirational Peoples banner project.
Created last year, the project aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of two people each from Beausoleil First Nation, Midland and Penetanguishene along with Tay and Tiny Townships.
“It's something we wanted to do to celebrate those ones who inspire others to do good in the community...to help honour and respect those legacies," Clayton King, Beausoleil First Nation's heritage and culture coordinator, told MidlandToday when the project was announced last summer.
“One of the things is to really highlight and honour those individuals who have made a difference in the growth of the community and have inspired people to achieve their goals and in shaping their lives.”
Through a community nomination process, two individuals were selected from each community to be represented in this project. Their images, name and occupation/specialty will be printed on large banners and hung in their respective communities this spring.
Plaques will also be created for the selected winners including their biography and will be installed in each community, at a location still to be determined.
The recipients from each community are as follows:
Beausoleil First Nation
Ogimawahjiwon (c1790-1872) - “Chief of the Flowing Waters” Migizi Doodem/Bald Eagle Clan
William Anthony Monague (1956-2019), “Abwaudung” The Visionary or Dreamer, Ojibwa Native Artist
Town of Midland
Jamie Hunter, Director/Curator of Huronia Museum (1985-2013)
John French, Founder of Brookside Music Association
Town of Penetanguishene
Helen (LePage) Bradley (1934-2010), Senator for the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario
Marcel F. Bellehumeur (1912-1978), Francophone and Community Advocate
Township of Tay
Scott Warnock, Former Mayor from 2006-2018
Don Ward, Visual Artist and former CAF Peacekeeper
Township of Tiny
John Hartman, Visual Artist
Robbert Hartog (1919-2008), Philanthropist
