Premiers, Aboriginal Leaders in Lunenburg

NOTE: A social media version of this release, with high-res, downloadable photos, is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2012-07-25-Premiers-Aboriginal-Leaders-Lunenburg/ .

Premier Darrell Dexter hosted his fellow premiers and leaders of five national Aboriginal organizations for a walkabout with visitors and residents on the Lunenburg waterfront, and a sail on the Amistad during the Tall Ships Festival.

The premiers and leaders met today, July 25, in advance of the Council of the Federation summer meeting. The council is made up of Canada's premiers. They are meeting in Halifax from July 26 to 27.

"It is always a pleasure to welcome visitors to Nova Scotia and to share our hospitality and traditions," said Premier Dexter. "I'm honoured to host my fellow premiers and National Aboriginal Organization leaders for our meetings."

The Amistad is one of seven ships in Lunenburg Harbour from July 25 to 26 as part of Tall Ships 2012. It is a replica of 19th century topsail schooner La Amistad. The ship became famous when a mutiny was staged by the African slaves it was transporting. Their U.S. Supreme Court case marked the first time in history that African black slaves won their freedom in an American court.

"Lunenburg is no stranger to tall ships. Our most famous vessel, the Bluenose, and our sailing ambassador, the Bluenose II, were both built here," said the premier. "It's wonderful to see so many graceful ships from around the world visiting ports in Nova Scotia to remind us of the Golden Age of Sail and our rich seafaring heritage."

Lunenburg is home of the Bluenose which was built in 1921 as a fishing schooner. She became a celebrated racing ship and is featured on the Canadian dime. Bluenose II, built in 1963, serves as a sailing ambassador for Nova Scotia and is currently undergoing extensive restoration in Lunenburg.

FOR BROADCAST COPY:

Premier Darrell Dexter hosted his fellow premiers and five

National Aboriginal Organization leaders for a walkabout with

visitors and residents on the Lunenburg waterfront, and a sail

on the Amistad during the Tall Ships Festival.

The premiers and leaders met today (July 25th) in advance

of the Council of the Federation summer meeting. The council

is made up of Canada's premiers. They are meeting in Halifax

from July 26th to 27th.

The premier says it is always a pleasure to welcome

visitors to Nova Scotia and to share our hospitality and

traditions.

He says that seeing ships from around the world at ports

in Nova Scotia reminds us of the Golden Age of Sail and our

rich seafaring heritage.

There are seven ships visiting Lunenburg from July 25th

to 26th as part of the Tall Ships Festival 2012.