July 4, 2011 - All regions, peoples and cultures of the Northwest Territories will be represented and showcased to Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they arrive tomorrow in the NWT capital.

“We're looking forward to introducing Their Royal Highnesses to some of what makes the NWT such a unique and wonderful place,” Premier Floyd Roland says. “We have made a special effort to involve residents from across the NWT in every event on the program.”

Dettah Drummers and Dene hand games together with the Paulatuk Moonlight Drummers & Dancers and Inuit traditional games will be a focal point of ceremonies welcoming the royal couple to Canada’s North on Tuesday.

Political leaders representing all regions and levels of NWT Government will be in attendance in Yellowknife’s Somba’Ke plaza where residents will also have the opportunity to see and greet the royal couple.

Canadian Rangers and Junior Rangers, elders and youth representing 19 communities and every constituency in the NWT will play a variety of roles in representing the NWT”s arts, traditions and unique style of consensus Government to The Duke and Duchess.

Later in the day, a visit to the Dechinta Research and Learning Centre at Blachford Lake Lodge will highlight the traditional knowledge and deep historical roots that NWT residents have with their land and environment. Meanwhile, diamonds, to be presented to the royal couple by Premier Roland, will provide further insight into the NWT vast mineral wealth and enormous potential for sustainable resource development.

The program for the royal visit was developed jointly by the GNWT, Canadian Heritage and the Canadian Secretary to the Queen. Special attention has been given to focus on involving young people and planning active events.

“I’m confident that Their Highnesses’ time in the Northwest Territories will be a memorable experience and unlike anything else they will do during their visit to Canada,” Premier Roland says.

For more information, contact:

Megan Holsapple
Senior Communications Advisor
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-3498
megan_holsapple@gov.nt.ca

Drew Williams
Press Secretary for Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone (867) 669-2304
drew_williams@gov.nt.ca