TORONTO, March 7, 2014 /CNW/ - The Huron-Wendat Nation and the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding.
The agreement lays out a framework for how the Huron-Wendat will participate in the Games, including recognition protocols, ceremonies, special events and dignitary welcomes.
"We are pleased TO2015 has recognized the Huron-Wendat's historical and cultural ties to the region, as have the other Aboriginal parties working with the Games," said Grand Chief Konrad Sioui.
"We look forward to working with TO2015, the Mississaugas of the New Credit, Six Nations and the Métis Nation of Ontario to provide a strong and exciting Aboriginal presence in the Games," he continued.
There are approximately 3,900 members of the Huron-Wendat Nation in Canada. Nearly 1,500 reside on the Wendake First Nation in Quebec.
"I am pleased to welcome the Huron-Wendat into the Aboriginal community of interest we are building for the Games," said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer of TO2015. "They have deep ties with the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, which we look forward to celebrating though their participation in the Games."
"We're pleased Aboriginal communities in the Games region will play a key role in the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport).
"We are proud to showcase our unique diversity by celebrating the rich culture and history of Aboriginal peoples at the 2015 Games, creating memorable experiences for communities and visitors to our province," added Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.
In January 2012, TO2015 announced its 14 Aboriginal leadership partners, all drawn from the Games' Host Region, including the Huron-Wendat Nation.
The group, which is comprised of key Aboriginal leaders, communities and organizations, will drive planning, engagement and communications efforts between TO2015 and the Aboriginal community in order to deliver a successful Games experience. The partners will create an engagement strategy for economic development, volunteer recruitment, arts and culture initiatives and youth engagement.
About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with the responsibility of planning, managing and delivering the Games. Its mission is to ignite the spirit through a celebration of sport and culture. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10-26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-15.
The 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as other partners and sponsors. CIBC is the Lead Partner of the Games.
For more information about the Games, please visit TORONTO2015.org
SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
Teddy Katz
Director, media relations and chief spokesperson, TO2015
416.957.2117
[email protected]
Melanie Vincent
Media Relations, Huron-Wendat Nation Council
418.580.4442
[email protected]
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