April 22 to 24, 2024
Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook an official visit to Saskatchewan.
The visit to Saskatchewan focused on reconciliation, mental health, education and climate change. During the official visit, Her Excellency met with provincial and Indigenous leaders, youth, educators, newcomers, artists and civic trailblazers.
April 22, 2024
Upon arrival, the Governor General was greeted by several provincial dignitaries, including Their Honours the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, and Donna Mirasty, as well as the Honourable Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan.
She then went to First Nations University where she joined students in recording an episode for pîkiskwêwin, an Indigenous-language podcast project.
In the evening, the Governor General delivered remarks at the event hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
April 23, 2024
The Governor General first met with the lead artists who painted the Regina Open Door Society Mural located on the building’s exterior wall. She then went to visit the society and joined newcomers to Canada participating in a language class.
The Governor General also met with Bobby Cameron, Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, and Glen McCallum, President of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan.
In the afternoon, the Governor General engaged in a round-table discussion with mental health specialists from the SaskAgMatters network on issues affecting Canada’s farming and ranching communities.
April 24, 2024
The Governor General went to visit the Maternal Care Centre at the Jim Pattison Hospital. She met with the centre’s staff, including Indigenous birth support workers, to learn about services available to mothers, children and families from across the province.
The Governor General then explored Wanuskewin with youth to better understand how this national historic site acts as a living reminder of Indigenous peoples’ sacred relationship with the land.