Visit to Calgary - Day 1

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, officially launched the new travelling exhibit It’s an Honour! about the Canadian Honours System. He was joined by Mr. Don Taylor, C.M., and his grand-daughter Sarah Taylor. This travelling exhibit is made possible through the generosity of The Taylor Family Foundation as a tribute to the women, men and youth of Canada whose achievements, courage and dedication to service exemplify the heart and soul of our nation. The event was held at Henry Wise Wood Senior High School, in Calgary.

As patron of Community Foundations of Canada, His Excellency delivered a keynote address and introduced the Smart & Caring Communities initiative at The Calgary Foundation’s Vital City event, an annual celebration of the philanthropic community. To promote this new initiative, The Calgary Foundation highlighted its support of urban Aboriginal youth education.

Their Excellencies also toured the First Nation’s Health Centre.

During this visit, His Excellency presented the Governor General’s Commendation for Outstanding Service to the members of the Siksika Nation and to volunteers from neighbouring communities who were involved in the emergency relief efforts following the floods.

Their Excellencies then visited the Siksika First Nation where they met with Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier and his councillors.

Following the launch of the exhibit, the Governor General participated in a question-answer period with students from the school.

Featuring interpretative panels, multimedia elements and artifacts, the exhibit provides an opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn more about these honours and some of their recipients. Mounted in a specially designed vehicle (approx. 1,000 sq. feet), the exhibit is bilingual and supported by a knowledgeable guide. It is accessible to everyone and admission is free.

This new mobile exhibit is on the road travelling across Canada to connect, honour and inspire Canadians. It introduces visitors to the Canadian System of Honours which recognizes people for their extraordinary achievement, bravery, valour and service. Over the next two years, the mobile exhibit will journey to schools, community centres, special events and small towns across the country.

In his speech, the Governor General explained the importance of this new exhibit: “This exhibit—which is travelling to communities and schools like this one across Canada—showcases the stories of just a few of the great Canadians who have received our highest honours. My hope is that, as you learn about our country’s highest honours and the remarkable stories of recipients, you will be inspired and motivated by what you see.”

President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Foundations of Canada Mr. Ian Bird also said a few words. The Foundation’s Smart & Caring Communities is a landmark effort that responds to the Governor General’s call to ‘build a smart and caring nation.’ It aims to ensure that every community has access to a community foundation by 2017, as well as access to dedicated resources through funds established specifically to respond to local priorities.