2016 Royal Visit - Bella Bella and Black Rod Ceremony

Their Royal Highnesses met youth from the Heiltsuk community.

Upon arrival in Bella Bella, Their Excellencies and Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed by the Heiltsuk community in a traditional ceremony.

The Black Rod is a ceremonial staff used on formal occasions when the Sovereign or the provincial representative of the Crown, the lieutenant governor, is present in the legislative assembly of British Columbia.

Their Excellencies joined Their Royal Highnesses at a Black Rod ceremony followed by a reception at Government House.

His Royal Highness also delivered remarks to mark the inclusion of the Great Bear Rainforest in the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative. The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is a unique network of forest conservation initiatives, which involves all 53 countries of the Commonwealth.

Later on Their Excellencies and Their Royal Highnesses participated in the dedication of the Great Bear Rainforest as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative. The Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world and home of the Kermode bears or "spirit bears" – a sub-species of black bear noted for its white fur.

"I begin by acknowledging we are gathered today on the traditional territory of the Heiltsuk First Nation. It’s wonderful to see you all here for this dedication of the Great Bear Rainforest. And, Your Royal Highnesses, thank you for being here to dedicate this forest as part of The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy."

Following this, Their Excellencies and Their Royal Highnesses witnessed cultural celebrations at the Wawiskas Community Hall.

Bella Bella is a small Heiltsuk First Nation community situated on the east coast of Campbell Island.

The Governor General met with youth from Victoria at the reception at Government House.