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For Immediate Release
June 16, 2008

News Release

Historic Reading Of Ojibway Prayer A First For Ontario Legislature

Aboriginal Traditional Prayer First New Prayer in Legislaturee

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NEWS
A traditional Ojibway prayer was included in the opening ceremonies of the Ontario Legislature today, the first time an Aboriginal prayer in addition to the Lord’s Prayer has been read.

The reading of this prayer is the first of a series of prayers from a variety of faiths that will be read in the legislature on a rotational basis in addition to the Lord’s Prayer.

QUOTES
“The speaker honoured aboriginal people today, providing an historic occasion for Ontario legislators to draw strength and inspiration from a traditional Ojibway prayer,” said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Michael Bryant.

“I have often drawn strength from my traditional faith and I am gratified that a traditional First Nation prayer was read today to begin a new tradition of reading prayers in the Ontario Legislature,” said Sam George, a councillor with the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, who was present in the legislature today.

QUICK FACTS

• Under a proposal by Premier Dalton McGuinty, a legislative committee undertook a review of the opening ceremonies earlier this year to better recognize the heritage of all Ontarians, while embracing and celebrating our diversity. The changes to the opening prayers were supported unanimously by MPPs.

LEARN MORE

• Learn more about the procedures of the Ontario Legislature. 
• Read more about the initiatives of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.

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Greg Crone, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2529
Kevin Dove, Communications Branch, 416-326-6306