Welcome to the 19th Lafontaine-Baldwin lecture, Reconciliation and the evolution of Canada, delivered by Canada’s Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon.
The historical narrative of Canada has often ignored Indigenous voices and stories, negatively influencing how Indigenous peoples have been treated and perceived in this country. Her Excellency’s address will discuss the true history of Canada – the good and the bad – as both acts of citizenship and reconciliation for all Canadians, especially newcomers to Canada.
This historic event promises an evening of insightful discussion and important commentary on Reconciliation and the evolution of Canada.
“Whether we are Canadians by birth or by choice makes no difference. It is every Canadian’s obligation to take part in the work of reconciliation—however and wherever they can.”
– Daniel Bernhard, CEO, ICC
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that this event is taking place on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
About the LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture
Since 2000, the LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture has gathered Canadians to reflect on democracy, citizenship, and the public good. Established by John Ralston Saul and hosted for the past decade by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, the Lecture honour the leaders of Canada’s first democratic movement, Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine and Robert Baldwin.
Program
6:00 PM
Cocktail Reception presented by Cenovus Energy
Featuring Performances by:
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra‘s Zabaglione Quartet
Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society
Live painting by Harvey Nichol & Moey Blanco
Tamaani “Here” Inuit art showcase curated by Sophia Lebessis
Remarks provided by:
Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Director, Policy and Communications, Calgary Chamber of Commerce
Trent Zacharias, Director, Community & Indigenous Affairs, Sustainability & Stakeholder Engagement, Cenovus Energy
Dr. James Allan, Vice-President (Advancement), University of Calgary
Catering provided by EthniCity Catering
Production by Bird Creatives thanks to the generous support from the City of Calgary
8:00 PM
19th LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture Program
Welcome remarks by Mayor Jyoti Gondek
Blessing by Dr. Reg Crowshoe
Remarks by Dr. Michael Hart, University of Calgary
University of Calgary Honour Song
Remarks by Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship
Co-chair and co-founder of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, John Ralston Saul
19th LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture delivered by Her Excellency Mary Simon
Performance by Aya Mhana and Niño de la Cabilia
A reflection by Zain Velji
A conversation with Her Excellency Mary Simon and John Ralston Saul
Closing remarks by The Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson
Closing performance by Calgary Opera
Sponsors
This event could not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors
The 19th LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture is presented in partnership with the University of Calgary, with the generous support from Mobsquad, Arts Commons, Courtyard Marriott and The Dorian, The City of Calgary, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Mamdani Family Foundation, Cenovus Energy, Canadian Western Bank, Calgary Foundation, Air Canada, Suncor, Bird Creatives, Ambedo Agency, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Opera, the Calgary Herald, and Pattison Outdoor Advertising.
Since 2005, our programs have worked to give every newcomer to Canada the chance to become fully involved in our history, our culture and our politics. The generous support from our donors and partners has enabled this impact. To get involved, please email philanthropy@incluson.ca
With special thanks to ICC board member and the Chair of the 19th LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture, Zai Mamdani, and Franca Gualtieri.
