Dedication of Remaining Set of Aboriginal Languages Plaques
On June 21, 2010, National Aboriginal Day, a ceremony was held at the Human Rights Monument, to
commemorate the completion of the 73 granite plaques on each of which is engraved in a language of the
Aboriginal peoples of Canada, the concepts Equality, Dignity and Rights. The plaques were dedicated in a
Smudging Ceremony led by Algonquin Elder Albert Dumont and in a Qulliq Ceremony led by Inuit Elder Sally
Webster.
National Chief Shawn Atleo (Assembly of First Nations), President Mary Simon (Inuit Tapirit Kanatami),
President Clément Chartier (Métis National Council) and National Chief Betty Ann Lavallée
(Congress of Aboriginal Peoples) addressed the audience. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle
Jean, Governor General of Canada, concluded the ceremony with a stirring address on the rights of
indigenous peoples around the world.
CTHR co-founders Hania Fedorowicz and George Wilkes brought greetings and CTHR board member Ingrid
“Oni” Joseph hosted the event.
AFN Chief Atleo with the Nootka language plaque
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Chief Betty Ann Lavallée
Governor General Michaëlle Jean at the podium
Inuit Sally Webster (Qulliq Ceremony) and Algonquin Elder Albert Dumont (Smudging Ceremony) with George
Wilkes
Inuit Tapirit Kanatami President Mary Simon
Métis President Clément Chartier
Oni Joseph, CTHR Board Member, was MC of dedication ceremony
Overview of June 21 event
Plaque showing the English translation of the Algonquin statement
The Algonquin statement plaque
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