Lieutenant governor confirms attendance at celebration

Page 2

James K. Bartleman will celebrate his first National Aboriginal Day as lieutenant governor of Ontario with the Anishinabek people.

He has confirmed his attendance as the Queen's representative at June 21 ceremonies being held at Nipissing Anishinabek Nation headquarters on the Nipissing First Nation. The reserve is situated on Highway 17 approximately 5 km west of North Bay.

Bartleman himself is a member of the Mnjikaning First Nation and is the first Aboriginal person to hold the post of lieutenant governor.

Grand Chief Vernon Roote said, "This is an occasion where we give honor and recognition to the outstanding contributions of Anishinabe people. We honor him for ascending to such a respected leadership level, and in turn we are honored by his decision to spend this special day with us." He added, "This day has so much significance. We celebrate Mr. Bartleman's investiture as the Queen's representative in Ontario, and commemorate the original spirit of first contact, where Anishinabek and Canadians walked hand-in-hand in the development of this country.

Since 1996, National Aboriginal Day has been an official holiday. It is set aside as the day to acknowledge the cultures and contributions of Metis, Inuit and First Nations peoples.

Bartleman has been invited to preside over the launch of a public education initiative known as the Niijii Circle. He will also witness the presentation of Anishinabek Nation Lifetime Achievement Awards and a brand-new award called the Debwewin Citations for Journalism, which will recognize non-Native journalists for excellence in coverage of Native issues.