Three Canadian Indigenous leaders have been awarded the Freedom of the at a ceremony today.
Chief David Joseph Jimmie of Squila First Nation, Chief Derek Anthony Epp of Tzeachten First Nation, and Chief Donald Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte received the award from Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli.
The ceremony followed a Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit at the Mansion House. Its co-chair, Robert James Brant, a descendant of the famous Mohawk leader Chief Joseph Brant, also received the Freedom of the City.
The event showcased investment opportunities in Canada’s energy, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors, presenting an opportunity for investments that contribute to the well-being of Indigenous communities, the preservation of their cultures, and the stewardship of the environment.
The freedom awards were given as part of the Lord Mayor’s ‘Connect to Prosper’ theme, which focuses on the City’s expertise in areas including sustainability, finance, law, art, and engineering, and brings together leading experts from diverse backgrounds to work on critical global challenges, such as climate change and artificial intelligence.
Speaking after today’s ceremony, McCarthy Tétrault London Managing Partner Robert Brant said:
“It is an honour and a privilege for each of us to receive the Freedom of the . Together with Chief David Joseph Jimmie of the Squiala First Nation, Chief Derek Anthony Epp of the Tzeachten First Nation, and Chief Donald Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, I would like to thank my Co-Chair Mark Magnacca, a City Freeman and liveryman, for his efforts and Alderman Hughes-Penney, the Lord Mayor, and the for this very special recognition. It marks the conclusion of the inaugural Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit and is one of many steps on the journey of economic reconciliation for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.”
After receiving his award, Chief Donald Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte said:
“It came as an unexpected surprise, and I am grateful to receive this honour and express many thanks to the Lord Mayor of London and the People of London and all involved. It honours the three centuries-old relationship between our People and Crown and English Nation.”
Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli said:
“Today’s ceremony helps foster strong ties between the Canadian Indigenous community and the .
“Putting Indigenous communities at the heart of discussions and decisions that affect them not only fulfils legal obligations but unlocks innovation and new opportunities.
“Indigenous knowledge and stewardship practices offer invaluable insights for sustainable development and can lead to pioneering solutions in, among other things, managing natural resources.”
City Corporation Alderman, Robert Hughes-Penney said:
“We are privileged to honour Chief Epp, Chief Jimmie, Chief Maracle, and Mr. Brant for their outstanding contributions. Their leadership and dedication serve as guiding beacons, inspiring us to continue fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.”
One of the ’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
Recent high-profile recipients include theatre entrepreneurs, Dame Rosemary Squire and Sir Howard Panter; former Managing Director and Chief Privacy Officer at the London Stock Exchange, Vivienne Artz; and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine.
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