Official Visit to the Northwest Territories - Day 4

Their Excellencies were introduced to Shawn Buckley, a local fisherman from Hay River, who gave an ice fishing demonstration and shared with Their Excellencies the challenges they face in the North as they compete in the global fishing market.

Their Excellencies were transported by old Bombardier snowmobile where they visited the ice fishing fields on Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories.

Their Excellencies visited the Hay River Ski Club where they began with a cross-country ski excursion, accompanied by local volunteers, athletes and youth ambassadors. Their Excellencies concluded their visit to the club by taking part in a discussion with athletes and youth ambassadors.

During their visit to the Hay River Ski Club, Their Excellencies had the opportunity to see athletes compete in the biathlon team tryouts in the hopes of attending the 22nd Arctic Winter Games.

Spectators at the Hay River Ski Club cheered on athletes as they tried out for the biathlon team.

The 22nd Arctic Winter Games, a circumpolar sport competition, will be held in the city of Whitehorse, in the Yukon Territory, in March 2012.

Their Excellencies were treated to a performance by young francophone students in the community of Hay River.

During the community reception in Hay River, Their Excellencies were presented with traditional Aboriginal leather gloves.

During a community reception hosted by the Town of Hay River, His Excellency was offered a warm welcome by His Worship Kelly Schofield (left), Mayor of the Town of Hay River, and Chief Roy Fabien (right), K'at'odeechee First Nation, along with members of the Legislative Assembly and community representatives.