Media Advisory – Governor General to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 20, 2023

OTTAWA, Ontario—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, will participate in various activities to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day in Ottawa on June 21, 2023.

Times are indicated in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

8:30 a.m.
Flag raising ceremony on Parliament Hill
The Governor General will participate in a commemorative ceremony, Raising the Survivors’ Flag, in memory of the thousands of children who were sent to residential schools, of those who never returned, and in honour of the families whose lives were forever changed.
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media contact: Jennifer Cooper, 873-455-5778, jennifer.cooper@sac-isc.gc.ca

10:30 a.m.
Canadian honours ceremony at Rideau Hall
The Governor General will present Canadian honours to First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals to celebrate their successes, as well as to non-Indigenous individuals who have made positive contributions to Canada including initiatives supporting reconciliation and Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Appointees and recipients will be recognized for their innovation, compassion, excellence or remarkable contributions to their communities with one of the following honours: the Order of Canada and the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division).

List of recipients

OPEN TO MEDIA
Note: Media are asked to arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 10:00 a.m. on the day of the ceremony.

12:15 p.m.
Tracey-Mae Chambers reconciliation-themed artwork installation at Rideau Hall
The Governor General will participate in the creation of a site-specific art installation on the porte-cochère of Rideau Hall by crocheting with the artist between 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to encourage reflection and deepen understanding of reconciliation. Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers will be installing a public artwork as part of the #hopeandhealingcanada initiative, the first public artwork by a Métis artist on the grounds of Rideau Hall.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Notes for media

• To guarantee your access, we ask that you please confirm your attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office at media@gg.ca.
• Photos taken by the Governor General’s official photographer will be made available upon request.
• Media members can follow the Governor General’s visit and activities online at gg.ca.

Media information
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-573-7563
media@gg.ca

NT5