OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will participate in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC's) first national event on Indian residential schools, on Saturday, June 19, at The Forks National Historic Site, in Winnipeg.
During the event, the Governor General will attend additional ceremonies where former students and their families, TRC Commissioners, First Nations, Metis and Inuit leaders as well as other dignitaries will be in attendance.
As a component of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement , the TRC is an independent body that oversees a process that provides former students and anyone affected by the residential schools legacy with an opportunity to share their individual experiences in a culturally appropriate manner. Further information on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is available at www.trc.ca .
Later that evening, the Governor General, accompanied by her husband, Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond, will visit the new Cerlce Molière theatre, which will soon be inaugurated. On Sunday, June 20 , Their Excellencies will meet with representatives of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Here is the complete itinerary of Their Excellencies:
12:45 p.m.
Traditional offering to the sacred fire
The Governor General, accompanied by the commissionaires, will provide a traditional offering of tobacco to the sacred fire.
The Forks National Historic Site, Winnipeg
OPEN TO MEDIA
1 p.m.
TRC Sharing Circle – Circle of Youth
Her Excellency will witness a TRC sharing circle during which they will hear youth tell their stories which are linked to survivors of Indian residential schools and their families. The Governor General will deliver remarks.
Manitoba Theatre for Young People, Winnipeg
OPEN TO MEDIA
3 p.m.
Powwow
The Governor General will take part in a celebration following the sharing circle and will deliver an address.
The Forks National Historic Site, Winnipeg
OPEN TO MEDIA
5:30 p.m.
Visit to Le Cercle Molière
The Governor General, Honorary President of Le Cercle Molière, and her husband, Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond, will attend a reception at the new theatre of Saint-Boniface's Le Cercle Molière. The Governor General will deliver remarks.
Le Cercle Molière, Saint-Boniface
OPEN TO MEDIA – Upon arrival and during the remarks
10:30 a.m.
Canadian Museum of Human Rights
Following a meeting with representatives of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, of which the Governor General is Honorary President, Their Excellencies will visit the site of the future museum.
Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Winnipeg
PHOTO OP - During the visit only
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Media information :
Annabelle Cloutier
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-8158
613-301-2764 (cell)
acloutier@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
Nancy Pine
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
613-947-4647 (cell)
nancy.pine@trc.ca
www.trc.ca
Janine Dubé
Le Cercle Molière
204-231-7022
www.cerclemoliere.com
Angela J. Cassie
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
204-289-2006
www.humanrightsmuseum.ca
