Sioux Lookout

Event Overview

Her Honour conducted an official visit to the Town of Sioux Lookout, meeting privately with His Worship Doug Lawrence, then speaking to Council Members and various community leaders before investing Mr. Garnet Angeconeb with the Order of Canada during a special ceremony.

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Site of Significance

"Constructed by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1911, the Sioux Lookout Heritage Railway Station, formerly the Graham Station, was one of the largest built in Northwestern Ontario. Sioux Lookout was originally selected by the company because of its location. It acted as a division point that fed rail lines throughout Ontario, transporting goods and people; it became one of the primary sources for economic growth in the northwest. The station was added to the C.N. Line and was a pivotal point for Sioux Lookout's infrastructure until the 1960s when permanent roads were built. Today, the station is undergoing an overhaul and is home to the Sioux Lookout Museum where you can take an in-depth look and discover the history of this northern jewel." Source.

Did You Know?

"North American aviation has its roots tied deeply in Sioux Lookout. Since the dawn of modern planes, bush flying and small airlines have been a northern necessity for transporting goods and people all across Ontario. One of the most common names in flights among northerners is Bearskin Airlines. The company was founded in 1963 by John Heglund, and is literally and figuratively the main vessel which connects northern communities. In 1977, Bearskin began flying regularly scheduled routes which took passengers between Sioux Lookout and Big Trout Lake. One year later, a base was established in Sioux Lookout and began scheduling flights to Thunder Bay. Over the last 50 years, Bearskin has narrowed the breach between communities, taking over 100 daily departures to 18 northern destinations. Earlier in history, the Elliot Brothers, who owned and operated an airplane part manufacturing company in the heart of Sioux Lookout, were responsible for crafting the skies that made Admiral Byrd's famous Polar Expedition possible." Source.

Royal Connection

"1939 Royal Visit: Two years after his ascension to the throne, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, embarked on a journey to visit the western continents. Apart from the expected stops in large cities such as Ottawa and Montreal, the King and Queen sought to place smaller, rural communities on their itinerary of sightseeing. They travelled on the C.N. line, which took them from coast to coast. Canadians valued their fortune as thousands would head out in the darkness of the night just to be graced by a glimpse of the train that carried the King and Queen. On June 4, 1939, the train carrying George VI and the Queen Mother arrived in Sioux Lookout as the nearly entire population gathered to greet their King. A historical moment was made that day when a young girl by the name of Shirrell Turner provided a rose to the King but quickly took back her gift as she had forgotten to curtsy before greeting him. Many laughs were had and the event even made national news as the King and Queen continued their trip through Canada." Source.

Media

Residential school survivor, advocate honoured with Order of Canada.

Elder Garnet Angeconeb receives his Order of Canada.