Visit to Calgary

During the visit to Calgary the Governor General teamed up with Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta to help construct a duplex in Evanston.

In the evening His Excellency attended the presentation of Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Awards. Elder Francis First Charger provided the blessing for the ceremony.

His Excellency also addressed those present at the ceremony. "On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my congratulations to the recipients of these awards. The impact of your teaching has been felt in your communities and right across Canada. Thank you for helping our students and this country to fulfill their great promise."

The Chiila Elementary School Drum Group also performed and demonstrated the continuation and revitalization of aboriginal traditions.

The first recipients of the Indigenous Educator Awards joined His Excellency, Mr. Steve Williams, President and CEO of Suncore Energy, and Ms. Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire, for a group photo.

In the afternoon, His Excellency took part in a workshop on storytelling which is part of a series offered by The National Gathering for Indigenous Education.

This workshop series lets educators share best practices in Indigenous teaching and learning, present new research in the field, and provide opportunities for networking among educators from across the country.

For over eight years, Phil Johnson has been a devoted volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. He has donated thousands of hours on several affordable housing projects. As a construction crew leader, he has shown talent and leadership, and is respected by his fellow volunteers. He is motivated by the fact that Habitat for Humanity provides opportunities for many Canadian families to be able to access affordable housing.

From a young age, Brenda Fischer has volunteered in her community. She is always willing to help in whatever fashion she can, especially when it comes to Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. She has participated in various national and international Habitat builds and loves to teach new volunteers, guiding them and helping them feel at ease on the construction site. She is also a member of Habitat’s board of directors.

For over 15 years, John Davis has been a dedicated volunteer for Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. A supportive and reliable leader, he is a true inspiration to his community. He spends three days a week working for the organization in the construction of affordable housing and in promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. He is considered by his peers to be an ambassador for Habitat for Humanity.

Patrick Cashion started volunteering in his community at a very young age. He served as a board member, treasurer or vice-president of several organizations, including the Alberta Ballet Company; Trinity Place Foundation, which provides housing for low-income, elderly Calgarians; and the Health and Education Centres, a storefront health clinic for street people. He also developed and then implemented a successful elder abuse community response model currently in operation at a number of organizations in Calgary.

Following the build, the Governor General presented the Caring Canadian Award to four deserving Calgary citizens. The recipients were recognized for their volunteer work which has had positive impacts on their communities.

His Excellency had the pleasure of meeting some of its future occupants.

His Excellency wasted no time in picking up tools and working alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers.

Corbin Poitras entertained those present at the ceremony with a traditional dance.