Alan Ely recalls his grandmother, Minnie Ethel Ely's, unique relationship with the First Nations community on Georgina and Thorah Island and her support of First Nations art and culture. F.H. Varley of the Group of Seven painted a portrait of her in native dress entitled "Portrait of Mrs. E," which is displayed at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Alan recalls how members of the First Nations who came from the islands to markets in Beaverton would often stop and visit at his grandparents' cottage.
