Repatriating a National Treasure - The Sir Samuel Steele Collection
After being stored by descendants for almost 90 years, the legacy an icon is returning home.
Direct Link to online media kit: www.library.ualberta.ca/mediaroom

Edmonton Alberta Canada, June 9, 2008 -- At a ceremony in London, His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex will repatriate the Sir Samuel Steele Collection. Steele (1849-1919) was a member of the North-West Mounted Police, the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), and a major factor in the military and policing history of Western Canada. The Collection will be accepted by the High Commissioner, and returned to Canada. The University of Alberta will preserve the content of this historically important collection and make these resources available to the public.

Date:
June 19th, 2008

Time:
5:00pm
Doors open

5:45pm
HRH the Earl of Wessex arrives and performs outside ceremony (photo opportunity)

5:55pm
Program

6:20pm
Viewing

Location:
Canada House
Trafalgar Square
Pall Mall East
London, SW1Y 5BJ

Distinguished Guests:
· His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex and Honorary Deputy Commissioner, RCMP
· High Commissioner James Wright
· Chancellor Dr. Eric Newell, University of Alberta
· Vice-Provost Mr. Ernie Ingles, University of Alberta
· Dean of Arts Daniel Woolf, University of Alberta
· Commissioner Mr William J.S. Elliott, RCMP
· Mr. Tony Keenan, Chairman of the RCMP Foundation
· Colonel John Roderick, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)
· Honorable Lindsay Blackett, Government of Alberta
· Mr. Jeff Spalding, Director, Glenbow Museum
· Mr. Dwain Lingenfelter, Vice-President, Nexen Inc.
· Honorary Colonel Sandy Mactaggart, Past Chancellor, University of Alberta
· Honorary Colonel Stanley Milner, Past Board Chair, University of Alberta

Event attendees will view highlights from the Sir Samuel Steele Collection and hear brief remarks from HRH the Earl of Wessex, James Wright, High Commissioner for Canada, and Dr. Eric Newell, Chancellor of the University of Alberta.

An online media kit is available at:
www.library.ualberta.ca/mediaroom

Event photos and broadcast format video will be available for download after the event.

View the Honourable Lindsay Blackett's International Travel Release at http://culture.alberta.ca/.

Please note that there may be some duplication of this email as it is being sent to Canadian media affiliates in London, we apologize for any inconvenience.

For more information, please contact:
University of Alberta
Skye Rodgers
University of Alberta Libraries
skye.rodgers@ualberta.ca
Tel.: 780.492.5569
Cell: 780.288.6690
or Sandra Halme, Public Affairs, 780.492.0442

Canadian High Commission
Jennifer Brown
Political Affairs & Public Diplomacy
Jennifer.brown@international.gc.ca
T el.: 011 44 20 7258 6557
Cell: 011 44 7711 685 384

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Jennifer Miriguay
Strategic Partnerships and Heritage Branch
Jennifer.Miriguay@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
613.993.6997

Government of Alberta
Shawna Cass
Alberta Culture and Community Spirit
Shawna.Cass@gov.ab.ca
780.427.2395