Official Visit to the Northwest Territories - Day 3
During the visit, Their Excellencies also attended a community feast.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0750-001
At the start of the third day of the visit to the Northwest Territories, Their Excellencies arrived in the Town of Fort Smith.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0744-001
On this special occasion, they experienced the traditions and culture of the Dene community.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0751-002
In the evening, Their Excellencies were welcomed at the Hay River Dene Reserve by Chief Roy Fabian, of the K’atl’odeeche First Nation.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0750-002
Their Excellencies also had the chance to participate in a traditional Métis dogsled ride, along with Mr. Beck of Beck's Kennels.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0749-001
Later in the day, Their Excellencies were welcomed in Hay River.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0748-001
Next on the itinerary, Their Excellencies met with community Elders before taking a tour of the Northern Life Museum, which holds 10 000 artifacts representing the people and history of the North. These artifacts were mostly collected by the Oblate Fathers and Grey Nuns during their missionary work in the North.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0747-001
P.W. Kaesar High School was host to this community reception.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0746-002
Her Worship Jane Hobart, Mayor of the Town of Fort Smith and Member for Thebacha, along with band chiefs and community members, welcomed Their Excellencies to their hometown. During this community reception, His Excellency delivered a speech and award the Governor General’s Academic Medal to Nicole Labine and Malcolm Gorill.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0746-001
The Initiative’s long-term goal is to develop and implement a territorial education plan to bridge the achievement gap between Aboriginal and non-Native students. The Aboriginal Student Achievement Working Group was established in April 2009. Partners include Aurora College, district education councils, Aboriginal organizations, the NWT Literacy Council, the NWT Teachers’ Association, the Native Womens’ Association, the territorial departments of justice, and health and social services.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0745-002
Their Excellencies participated in a round-table discussion with educators, community members, Elders and students on the Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative. The discussion took place at Aurora College Thebacha Campus.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0745-001
The Governor General and Mrs. Sharon Johnston joined the community members and danced to the sound of drums.
Fri, 12/09/2011 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2011-0751-003