Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon are visiting North Bay today.
He was involved in a panel discussion on Aboriginal reconciliation and education at Nipissing University
Governor General David Johnston arrived at Nipissing University around 11:15 this morning.
Johnston then took part in Ka Na Ta Conversations which was a discussion about Aboriginal Education.
Johnston, who grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, recognized that the university is in the traditional land of the Nipissing First Nation, in his opening remarks.
He mentioned a recent meeting with a group called “Feathers of Hope” which is a group supporting better aboriginal representation on juries in Ontario.
“In Canada we are all Treaty people and we are all in this together. a justice system that better serves aboriginal people better serves all Canadians,” said Johnston.
“The same applies for the education system which is what we are here to talk about today.”
He noted that young aboriginal people are the fastest growing segment in Canada’s population.
Johnston also credited Nipissing University, saying the school has demonstrated the importance of First Nation’s control of First Nation’s education.
“I thank you for reminding us that every community is unique and that one size does not fit all when it comes to learning,” he said in his opening speech.
“And I thank you for focussing on language and culture because students can’t learn without knowing who they are and where they are from.”
Nipissing is primarily an undergraduate university that provides students with the opportunity to discover their own intellectual passions by participating in and leading original research while engaging in a wide range of enriching co-curricular activities.
Here is the afternoon itinerary:
2 p.m.
Visit to Héritage Public School
Their Excellencies will visit Héritage Public School to learn about North Bay’s vibrant Francophone community and about the school’s progressive anti-bullying program. His Excellency will deliver brief remarks and engage in a question-and-answer period with students.
Héritage Public school is the French language school in North Bay and offers French quality education. For more information, visit www.cspne.ca/heritage.
Héritage Public School, 2345 Connaught Avenue, North Bay
3:30 p.m.
Meeting with Regional Mayors and Chiefs of First Nations Surrounding North Bay
The Governor General will meet with regional mayors and chiefs of First Nations in the North Bay area to discuss the region’s economy and active co-operation with First Nations communities.
City Hall, 200 McIntyre Street East, North Bay
3:30 p.m.
Her Excellency Sharon Johnston Visits the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre
During her visit, Mrs. Johnston will meet with community members who have benefited from some of the programs offered by the Friendship Centre, which range in focus from children and youth, to legal and health care issues, and to employment counselling.
The North Bay Indian Friendship Centre aims to improve the quality of life of First Nation, Metis and Inuit people living in North Bay. For more information, visit www.nbifc.org/health-programs.
Indian Friendship Centre, 980 Cassells Street, North Bay
5:30 p.m.
Dinner Hosted by the City of North Bay and Local Services Clubs
Their Excellencies will attend a dinner hosted by the city of North Bay and local services clubs. His Excellency will deliver remarks on his vision for Canada’s sesquicentennial celebrations. A question period will follow.