Governor General Visits Membertou

A drumming performance by The Sons of Membertou, Mi'kmaq dancing, and a performance of O Canada in Mi'kmaq by Membertou Elementary School students are some of the highlights of the official visit by Gov. Gen. David Johnston to the community of Membertou, today, June 2.

He was accompanied by his wife Her Excellency Sharon Johnston.

Membertou Chief Terrance Paul also hosted a luncheon in honour of Their Excellencies' visit which was attended by Deputy Premier Frank Corbett, Mi'kmaq chiefs from throughout Cape Breton and Membertou community leaders.

"We are delighted to welcome Their Excellencies to our community," said Chief Paul. "We are proud of our accomplishments in preserving the past while embracing the future. Their visit with us today is yet another affirmation of the progress of our people towards a more certain future."

The luncheon was followed by a tour of the community including:

• a viewing of Membertou's dreamcatcher exhibit which demonstrates Membertou’s focus on engaging the community's young people in order to shape a successful future
• an overview of the planned Membertou Sports and Wellness Centre scheduled to open in 2012
• a viewing of sculptures featuring past Mi'kmaq leaders including Grand Chief Henri Membertou, Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. and Donald Marshall Jr. - all of whom played a role in improving the lives of Mi'kmaq people
• a discussion with Membertou senior executives and Cape Breton University graduates on how their academic achievements have been applied to their leadership roles in Membertou.

"I am honoured to represent the province of Nova Scotia at this significant event," said Mr. Corbett. "This is a wonderful opportunity to share with Their Excellencies the proud history and rich culture of this successful and innovative Mi'kmaq community."

Their Excellencies visited Membertou following a tour of Cape Breton University. Their three-day visit to Nova Scotia took place May 31-June 2.

One of five Mi'kmaq communities in Cape Breton, Membertou is an urban First Nation with a population of 1,260 people and employs over 540 people. Membertou Corporate Division successfully manages 11 diverse and financially successful companies including Anaia Global Renewable Energies, First Fishermen Seafoods and Membertou Geomatics.

For more information on the Governor General's visit to Nova Scotia, please visit www.gg.ca.

For further information on Membertou please visit www.membertou.com.