Taking Care: We recognize that our response to Call to Action 94 comes at a difficult time for many and that our efforts to honour victims and families may act as an unwelcome reminder to those who have suffered hardships through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous peoples. We encourage all those who need some support at this time to reach out and know that support is always there for you through Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also, for immediate assistance to those who may need it, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.

OTTAWA, ON, June 21, 2021 /CNW/ - Following Royal Assent of Bill C-8 on June 21, Canada's Oath of Citizenship now recognizes the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. To mark the first new citizens taking the amended oath, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship will host a special citizenship ceremony along with Judge Suzanne Carrière, the Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino and 31 candidates for Canadian citizenship.

Special guests:

• The Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P.
• Judge Suzanne Carrière, Canada's first Métis Citizenship Judge
• Elder Cat Criger
• Senator Margaret Dawn Anderson
• Amy Matchen, Institute for Canadian Citizenship
• Haleigh Mckenzie, IRCC Indigenous peoples circle co-chair, drummer
• Katrine Pignataro, Anthem Singer

Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Ceremony start time: 8:15 a.m. ET

Registration link:   

Media will be able to watch and record the ceremony via Zoom in participant mode by registering at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_79wmrqJaTR6Mg3HHK8qbFA

The ceremony is also available for live viewing at:
https://youtu.be/jezxYDWhPXE

Notes for media:

The ceremony will also be available after 10 a.m. via Dropbox:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p8s8u4lkq9r077y/AAAhqgxIlM9EGrSF4S-Rkd8ea?dl=0

If you would like to request an interview with Minister Mendicino, please direct your request to Alexander Cohen at the coordinates below.

SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2021/21/c0857.html