Visit to Vancouver - Day 1

Their Excellencies visited Opening Doors, an Aboriginal door carving exhibition that showcases an innovative use of technology to support Aboriginal artists.

Following his address, the Governor General joined a panel discussion with foundation members on how citizens can help create a smart and caring country.

Their Excellencies attended an event being hosted by the Sea to Sky Community Foundations at the Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts. During the event, His Excellency delivered a keynote address on the important work of community foundations in ensuring members of the community thrive and succeed.

His Excellency toured the Innovation Centre on the 5th floor of the TELUS Garden, where he learned about and interacted with some of the new and innovative technology that is being developed in the health care field.

She participated in a short experiment and discovered how researchers are studying the thoughts and cognitive processes in children.

In the afternoon, Ms. Johnston toured the Living Lab, a lab dedicated to the study of children’s cognitive development.

Following the presentation, they engaged with students on the importance of making good decisions for a healthy, drug-free life.

Their Excellencies attended a drug awareness presentation given to at-risk youth at the Waverly Annex Learning Hub, an alternative education program site. These sessions are offered by Odd Squad Productions, a charitable organization comprised of active and retired police officers and other volunteers.

Afterwards, Their Excellencies met with the young Aboriginal artists who have successfully completed the four-week intensive door carving program.

The Opening Doors project is a unique educational carving project that embraces the culture and storytelling nature of British Colombia coastal Aboriginal art and, at the same time, explores new technology and promotes Aboriginal communities and their unique artistic talents.

The Sea to Sky Community Foundations serve north Vancouver and consist of the Bowen Island, Whistler, North Shore, Squamish, Sunshine Coast and West Vancouver community foundations.