Media Advisory: Governor General to Present Two Northern Medals

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, May 19 (MARKET WIRE) --
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of
Canada, will present the Governor General's Northern Medal to Ms. Bertha
Allen, C.M. and to Mr. Georges Henry Erasmus, O.C. at Rideau Hall on
Thursday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m.

Created in 2005, the Governor General's Northern Medal is awarded to a
citizen whose actions and achievements have contributed to the evolution
and constant reaffirmation of the Canadian North as part of our national
identity. Former recipients of the Governor General's Northern Medal are
Sheila Watt-Cloutier, O.C. and Ms. Nellie J. Cournoyea, O.C.

CITATIONS

Bertha Allen, C.M.

Inuvik, Northwest Territories

A member of the Gwich'in First Nation, Bertha Allen is widely respected
for her grassroots leadership in support of equality for Aboriginal and
northern women, particularly their inclusion as government decision
makers. Ms. Allen founded the Native Women's Association of the Northwest
Territories, and later became its national president. She was also the
only woman to serve on the Commission for Constitutional Development,
which drafted a proposal for the creation of Nunavut. Ms. Allen's other
prestigious accomplishments include the establishment of the Native
Women's Training Centres of both Yellowknife and Inuvik, as well as her
involvement with the Territorial Hospital Insurance Board and the NWT
Judicial Appointments Committee. A former president of the advisory
council of the Status of Women Council of the NWT, she is currently
lending her expertise to its Women's Voices Leadership Initiative. Ms.
Allen is a continuous source of inspiration for generations of Aboriginal
peoples in the North.

Georges Henry Erasmus, O.C.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Georges Henry Erasmus has long been acclaimed for his work and leadership
in promoting Native rights, as well as improving living standards in
northern communities. Elected president of the Dene Nation in 1976, Mr.
Erasmus was later elected national chief of the Assembly of First
Nations, from 1985 to 1991, guiding the First Nations through turbulent
times, including the Oka crisis of 1990. He was subsequently appointed as
the co-chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. In this
capacity, he helped to produce what has become a benchmark report in
public policy, demanding that Aboriginal persons be recognized as full
contributing partners in the Canadian federation. Currently, Mr. Erasmus
serves as chief negotiator for the Dehcho First Nations. He is also
president of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, which serves to help
individuals and communities deal with the traumatic effects of the
residential schools. A passionate advocate for Aboriginal peoples, Mr.
Erasmus continues to champion northern development.

Additional information on the Northern Medal can be found on ANNEX A:

ANNEX A - the Governor General's Northern Medal

In 2005, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of
Canada, created the Governor General's Northern Medal, a medallion to be
awarded to a citizen whose actions and achievements have contributed to
the evolution and constant reaffirmation of the Canadian North as part of
our national identity.

Canadian citizens who have made an outstanding contribution to Canada's
northern communities in one or more fields; whose achievements have
benefited the North; who have strengthened Canada's recognition of this
region and its peoples; or who have promoted a greater awareness and
understanding of the North are eligible. An advisory committee consisting
of - representatives of Aboriginal and northern communities and/or
individuals who have a special expertise or knowledge of northern affairs
advise the Governor General on the award and recommend recipients.

Contacts:
Rideau Hall Press Office
Marie-Eve Letourneau
613-998-0287

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