Arctic archaeologist Dr. Robert McGhee will be the keynote speaker at a fundraiser on Friday, February 6 at the Orangeville Senior's Centre at 26 Bythia Street in Orangeville after making two presentations at area high schools earlier on the day.

Mr. McGhee's research has focused on the history of Arctic North America. He has undertaken field work across northern Canada, from Labrador to the Mackenzie Delta and northward to the High Arctic islands, as well as in Svalbard and Siberia. His work has addressed the origins and development of Inuit culture, reactions of prehistoric populations to episodes of climatic change and relations between aboriginal peoples and Europeans in Arctic Canada.

This research has been reported in over 100 books and articles, including both academic publications and those designed for a general audience. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, has been awarded the Massey Medal by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and is presently curator emeritus at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. His most recent books are The Last Imaginary Place: A History of the Arctic Regions, and a sketch of Canadian history titled The Thousand Year Path.

Among Dr. McGhee's early memories are helping during the threshing at his grandfather's farm east of Shelburne, which was the activity of "picking stones" left by the glaciers and loading them onto the horse-drawn stoneboat that was an important implement at all farms in the area at the time.

"I was thrilled when Dr. McGhee agreed to participate in this event," said Rebecca Finch, former federal Liberal Candidate for Dufferin-Caledon. "His books are mesmerizing, and the subject matter is perfect for a winter event in a riding where so many people are engaged in environmental projects.

"I was particularly pleased at the enthusiasm displayed by Westside Secondary in Orangeville and Centre Dufferin in Shelburne when I approached them about having Dr. McGhee do an extra presentation for the students. Arctic archaeology is such an important and fascinating field of study, and yet so few students know much if anything about it."

Members of the public are welcome to attend the presentations at the high schools, as well as have an opportunity to meet with Dr. McGhee in person and hear his second presentation at the fundraising event that evening.

More details can be found out about this event on www.dcliberals.ca, on Ms. Finch's website at www.rebeccafinch.ca or by contacting her at 519- 216-5722.