Official Visit to the Northwest Territories - Day 2

During their second day in Yellowknife, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston met with members of the Fédération franco-ténoise, an organization that promotes, encourages and defends Northwest Territories French-speaking communities. Their Excellencies also met faculty and francophone students at Écolle Allain St-Cyr.

The Honourable George Tuccaro, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, hosted a dinner in honour of Their Excellencies’ visit to the Territory.

The Official Opening of Hunters of the Alpine Ice Exhibition was held at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife.

The Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment presented the new exhibit, which is based on the book Hunters of the Alpine Ice: The NWT Ice Patch Study, which draws on the expertise of archaeologists, Aboriginal Elders, biologists, geologists and educators to highlight what the North was like as far back as 5 000 years ago.

In the presence of Elders, chiefs of the Tulita Dene region, researchers and high school students, Their Excellencies attended the opening of a new exhibit entitled Hunters of the Alpine Ice at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

Following his address at the Legislative Assembly, His Excellency and Mr. Gavin Fitch, Vice-President of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (right), presented the Massey Medal to David Livingston (centre). Inaugurated by former governor general Vincent Massey in 1959, and administered by The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the award recognizes outstanding achievement in Canadian geography.

His Excellency also attended a session of the 17th Legislative Assembly, where he addressed all members: "Northerners have long set an example for others. Through necessity and by inclination, the people of the North have worked co-operatively for generations, solving problems and creating new possibilities together. This legislature and the system of government that exists in the Northwest Territories is a wonderful example, being both thoroughly modern and steeped in tradition."

Their Excellencies then had a courtesy call with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the Premier of the Northwest Territories. From left to right: Mr. Stephen Wallace, Secretary to the Governor General; the Honourable Jackie Jacobson, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and his spouse Ms. Jenny Jacobson; and the Honourable Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories. Speaker of the house is right of GG then spouse and Premier

During the ceremony, the Governor General conducted the inspection of the Cadet guard of honour.

Their Excellencies attended the official welcoming ceremony which was held at the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife.

As commander-in-chief of Canada, His Excellency visited the Joint Task Force (North) Headquarters in Yellowknife.

Before leaving, the Governor General met with members of the Canadian Rangers.

Brigadier-General Guy Hamel said a few words and congratulated its members of their exemplary work.

His Excellency also addressed members of the Canadian Forces and awarded the Commander-in-Chief Commendation to four military personnel: "As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I often talk with Canadian Forces members about their responsibility as role models, both here in Canada and abroad. I tell them that their standards of conduct must be beyond reproach, because they embody the depth of our commitment to the common good. I know of no Force anywhere that lives and breathes professionalism—duty, honour, service—as ours."

He then attended a briefing led by Brigadier-General Guy Hamel who provided an overview of the Canadian Forces’ operations and administration in northern Canada, followed by a presentation of the Canadian Rangers in the North.

The Governor General was welcomed by Brigadier-General Guy Hamel, Commander of the Joint Task Force (North) (left), and Chief Warrant Officer Gilles Laroche (right).

Their Excellencies then visited a classroom at École Allain St-Cyr and answered questions from the students. The school provides French education to some 130 students in Yellowknife, from kindergarten to Grade 12, and also serves as a cultural community centre.

The Governor General delivered a speech on this occasion.