Media Advisory: Historic Gathering of The Queen’s Representatives in Canada and First Nations Leaders

An historic gathering of The Queen’s representatives in Canada along with the Territorial Commissioners and National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations will take place at the recently designated Chapel Royal of Massey College in Toronto. The Governor General of Canada, Lieutenant Governors, and Territorial Commissioners are meeting for their annual conference, and will begin by paying tribute to the unique and enduring relationship between the Crown and First Nations people in an historic early morning ceremony as a symbol of their commitment to reconciliation.

Itinerary

Massey College, Ontario

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

5:30 – Lighting of the sacred fire

7:30 – Opening song by Elder Gary Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

7:40 – Opening remarks by Dr. Elizabeth Smyth, Vice-Chair, Governing Board, Massey College

7:45 – Welcoming remarks by Chief R. Stacey Laforme, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

7:55 – Remarks by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

8:00 – Tobacco offerings by The Queen’s representatives in Canada and Territorial Commissioners

8:10 –Viceregals and First Nations leaders join in a circle dance around the sacred fire

8:20 – Unveiling of commemorative plaque by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Media Opportunity

Who: The Queen’s representatives in Canada along with the Territorial Commissioners and National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations

What: A “Council” at the Chapel Royal of Massey College

Where: Photo Availability Massey College Quad, 4 Devonshire Place, Toronto

When: Wednesday, June 12, 2019, 7:00 a.m.

Read more about the “Council” here.

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Contact:

Alexandra Tichinoff

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

alexandra.tichinoff@ontario.ca

416-325-7793