GG photos

The Governor General, with a little help from her friends, plants a tree in the park named in her honour.
(Photo courtesy of Victor Sawelo)

On August 25, 2010, Ms. Jean, on a final swing to the city in her remaining vice-regal days, returned to spend much of her time this week in the Point Douglas neighbourhood that is evidently near to her heart. The relationship dates to a plaintive letter in 2007 from school kids in the crime-ridden enclave that has, of its own grit, rehabilitated the Point as a place fit to live. Ms. Jean can take no credit for the tough, shrewd work of residents to wrestle back their playgrounds, school yards and streets from the plague of drug dealers and street gangs. She told residents, in fact, that their work has led her to launch a foundation to support similar projects among youth across the country.

Her attentiveness, though, was singularly inspiring to the children and the activists worthy of eminent recognition. Her visits served to say that Canada took note of their struggle.

Such doting recognition holds intangible value, and across Canada there are many ordinary Canadians who will remember Ms. Jean, set to leave Rideau Hall next month, for her gallant love of the land and people.

Her sojourns into the country's isolated and small communities, its community clubs and the places where children play, in addition to the international forays, set a fine example for her predecessor and those who follow.

The wonderful celebration held on this day could not have happened without the combined efforts and contributions of our community organizations and many individual volunteers. The Point would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge these volunteers and thank them for making the day such a great success.

The community would also like to thank all three levels of government, the Winnipeg Police Service, and the Governor General's office for their generous contributions and support of this very important community event. It was a wonderful example of co-operation and teamwork, quickly and efficiently conducted by all parties, and we are very grateful.

The photos below were submitted by Victor Sawelo of the Ross House Museum. If you have photos of the event that you would like to share, please contact us and we will put them up for you.


The Governor General speaks to the crowd at the Youth Talk, a town-hall gathering where all, young and old, could speak their minds, and many did.	The Governor General spoke of her admiration for the residents of the community, recognizing their courage, especially that of the youth. She congratulated us for our successes and encouraged us to continue our efforts, saying that we are a model for others.

The crowd spills out after the Youth Talk, to chat among themselves before the ceremonies begin. top	Everyone pitched in to help make it a great day!	Sel Burrows, past Chair of the Point Douglas Residents Committee, speaks to a member of the media. Sel was one of the people who helped transform the community after the Governor-General's visit in 2007.

Rob Galston, our local historian	Adrian Stoness (top left), community volunteer and photographer, takes his place among the media cameramen.	Everyone's a shutterbug today!

Michaelle Jean speaks to the crowd during the ceremony naming the green space at Norquay Community Centre in her honour. top	Martin Landy, resident and one of many volunteers, checks his to-do list as part of the production team.	Kerry Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development (centre) and City Councillor Mike Pagtakhan (foreground) watch the ceremony.

The sign is unveiled. Hon. George Hickes speaks to the crowd.	An oak tree is planted to commemorate the day. The Governor General had lots of help to do the job. Among the onlookers are (left to right) George Hickes, Premier Greg Selinger, Mayor Sam Katz, and Roanna Hepburn, Chair of the PDRC.
		Tyson Cormack and Judy Wasylycia-Leis. Tyson was the production manager for this grand event, and volunteers in many ways in the community.

	top

The wonderful Sierra Noble graces the stage. She was a favourite with the crowd.	The Governor General joins the crowd to take in the entertainment.	David Delorme and the lovely Ruby (with her ears perked toward the music) enjoy the show.

David shares a laugh with Elaine Bishop of the North Point Douglas Women's Centre. Ruby takes a break.	The face-painting table, manned by volunteers from the Graffiti Gallery, was a big hit with all the kids. This was one of a variety of fun activities provided by the Gallery for the kids.	Spiderman for a day! top


Sel enjoys a chat with Winnipeg's finest. Likely one of the more pleasant consultations he's had with them in recent years. We have a lot to smile about these days.	Irene Brown, one of the founding members of the Women's Centre, chats with George Hickes.	This may look like Santa Claus on summer vacation, but it's actually our own Barry Hammond, long-time resident and community activist, and one of many to thank for the positive changes in our community. Barry IS Santa Claus every Christmas.