Executive Council
October 22, 2009

Newfoundland and Labrador to Welcome Royal Couple to Canada

As Canada�s youngest province, Newfoundland and Labrador looks forward to being the starting point of the Royal Visit to Canada of Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, said today the province is filled with anticipation as preparations are underway to host The Royal Couple.

�It is indeed a great honour to have Their Royal Highnesses begin their visit to Canada right here in Newfoundland and Labrador,� said Premier Williams. �Our province�s ties to Britain are deep and abiding, and are evidenced throughout our province from the Union Jack flags that can be seen flying proudly in many communities to architectural styles that are distinctly British. But we are also a uniquely complex and diverse society with many cultures woven together to create what is distinctly Newfoundland and Labrador. This Royal visit will provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase our amazing people and province to Their Highnesses and we look forward to welcoming them to our home.�

The Royal visit will commence with a welcoming ceremony on Monday, November 2, at 5:15 p.m. at Mile One Centre in St. John�s. In officially welcoming Their Royal Highnesses to the province and to Canada, Premier Williams will join His Honour The Honourable John C. Crosbie, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Her Honour Jane Furneaux Crosbie, and other dignitaries.

The event is open to the public and is free of charge, with doors opening at 4:00 p.m. Individuals should be seated prior to the start of the ceremony at 5:15 p.m. Seating will be available on a first-come first-serve basis. Bus shuttle service to Mile One Centre will be provided, departing Bowring Park west parking lot and the lower parking lot of Dominion Memorial Market from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Return shuttle service will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

�I encourage young and old alike to come out and ensure we give a warm welcome to our special visitors as only Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can,� said Premier Williams. �This event will allow us to connect with a distinct part of our heritage and the traditions which have helped define who we are as a people and as a place. Let�s ensure the arrival of Their Royal Highnesses in Canada is memorable and impressive.�

�I am delighted this event will be open to the public, as I am sure there is much interest in seeing our Royal visitors first hand,� said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. �Those who attend will not only take part in demonstrating the warm hospitality our province is known for worldwide, but will also be treated to choral and other performances which will capture for the world a taste of our rich culture and diverse artistic talent.�

The welcoming ceremony will include performances by the Nunatsiavut Drum Dancers, Shallaway: Newfoundland and Labrador Youth in Chorus, and the Se't A'newey Performance Choir of Conne River. The ceremony also involves the inspection of the 100-person Honour Guard and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band by His Royal Highness. In addition, flowers will be presented to Her Royal Highness by two children representing Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador.

The full itinerary of the visit of Their Royal Highnesses to Newfoundland and Labrador and other parts of Canada will be released at a later date.

Additional information on the Royal Visit to Canada can be found on the Government of Canada website at www.visiteroyale-royalvisit.gc.ca.

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BACKGROUNDER
Performers at the Royal Visit Welcoming Ceremony

Nunatsiavut Drum Dancers
Originating from a school exercise to revive drumming in northern Labrador, the Nunatsiavut Drum Dancers (formerly known as the Kilautik Drummers) were formed in the late 1990s. They are known for their creativity in developing and performing unique dance styles. Dancing in a variety of styles from Greenland and Nunavut that were studied in the revitalization stages of Labrador drumming, the drummers also perform dances that complement traditional Inuit songs and stories. With five members, the Nunatsiavut Drum Dancers have performed for local, national and international audiences, representing the cultural revitalization of Inuit culture, youth empowerment, and pride in the new Inuit region of Nunatsiavut.

Se't A'newey Performance Choir
The Se't A'newey Performance Choir from Conne River consists of approximately 20 students aged 10-18 years. Led by music teacher, Brenda Jeddore , the choir has performed extensively within the province, as well as at national and international events.

Shallaway: Newfoundland and Labrador Youth in Chorus
Founded in 1992 by Susan Knight, Shallaway is a cultural and educational agency that expresses itself through choral music. Its focus is on growing the capacity for commitment, initiative, innovation and contribution among its members and alumni. Shallaway involves over 225 young people from St. John�s and environs, singing in eight developmentally sequenced ensembles. The group performing at the Welcome Ceremony consists of approximately 50 students.

2009 10 22                                10:40 a.m.