A bronze statue by Huntsville sculptor Brenda Wainman-Goulet mounted on a Muskoka granite base now commemorates the controversial nurse at the four-way corner of Manitoba and Ontario streets and Ecclestone and Entrance drives.

The location was chosen because of its proximity to the spot where Caisse practised her naturopathic art in a clinic on Dominion Street. Sufferers of various diseases seeking relief from Caisse -- whose name was reversed to create the recognizable brand name "Essiac" -- were instructed to cross the silver bridge over the falls at Bracebridge and turn left.

It is a small park at this same intersection which Rene Caisse's statue now dominates.

Beginning in the 1920s, Caisse treated thousands of patients with her decoction based upon rumex acetosella, or sheep sorrel, a common herb.

In 1977, the Resperin Corporation purchased the rights to Caisse's formula and performed a five-year trial.

In conjunction with the unveiling, Essiac Canada Foundation also confirmed scholarships in Caisse's memory for any students of Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School planning on studying naturopathic medicine at the Toronto school. On hand for the unveiling were members of the Caisse family, including nephew Don McVittie and niece Jackie Poland, long-time supporter and friend Kay Beers and former Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Stan Darling who worked for acceptance of Essiac by federal authorities, acceptance that was opposed by the medical community.

"It's a delight to be here," said the usually avuncular Darling. "At age 89, it's a delight to be anywhere but in the grass."

Darling recalled how, after much lobbying and pressure, the minister of health finally consented to the use of Essiac as a last-resort medicine when a signed letter from a physician accompanied the request.

"The doctors were the worst," Darling said, referring to the impossibility of getting the required letter from the principal opponents of the natural decoction. "I used to tell them what I thought of them in no uncertain terms."

Darling conceded that, finally, "I had to write the damn letters myself."

Terry Maloney of the Essiac Canada Foundation joined Mayor Scott Northmore, McVittie, Poland, Beers, Darling and Wainman-Goulet in the unveiling.

Mary McPherson, who "for 35 years single-handedly carried the torch" for Essiac and her friend of Rene Caisse, was unable to attend the ceremony due to advanced age and failing health. Mrs. McPherson worked with Caisse for many years. Caisse died Dec. 26, 1978.