The Early History of Eastern Ontario: Discover the Untold Stories that Predate the Loyalists

During the month of June, we have invited a remarkable couple named Ted and Maggie Stewart to come to Wall Street United Church in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Ted Stewart taught Indigenous students at the Kashechewan School in James Bay for 15 years. After moving south with his wife, Maggie, Ted worked for over 20 years as an archaeological technician in Eastern Ontario. Ted is also a wildlife sculptor and artist who carves wildfowl sculptures featuring the birds of Ontario, and he paints the carvings with acrylic paint. Ted has won over 135 awards for his work across Canada and the United States, including a first-place award at the 2014 World Championships in Ocean City, Maryland. Ted also paints on canvas, and his paintings depict the environment and the “healing embrace of nature”. Maggie Stewart is of Indigenous heritage, and she grew up on the shores of James Bay, where she was taught bead working skills by her elders. Like Ted, Maggie is an archaeological technician and she has worked on numerous archaeological digs throughout Eastern Ontario. Maggie is also an art instructor and Indigenous artist, whose work includes a wide variety of traditional Indigenous and modern beaded jewelry including earrings, necklaces and bracelets. She also creates deer hide moccasins and handbags, which are often beaded. Maggie and Ted both work out of their art studio in Newboro, Ontario.

It is our great pleasure to invite everyone to an evening with Ted and Maggie Stewart at Wall Street United Church. Ted will share a PowerPoint Presentation about “The Early History of Eastern Ontario” during which time he will share some untold stories that predate the Loyalists. He will also be displaying some of the artefacts that he has unearthed during his archaeological digs. Maggie will be displaying some of her beautifully beaded artistic creations. This special event will take place at the church on Thursday June 20th starting at 7:00 p.m. in the gym downstairs. This event is being offered and sponsored by our Indigenous Sub-Committee of the Outreach and Social Action Committee. Admission is free, refreshments and snacks will be provided, and everyone is welcome.