Symposium 2007 will be held in Ottawa at Library and Archives Canada, which is located at 395 Wellington Street just a few blocks west of Parliament Hill. Situated in the downtown area, this building overlooks the Ottawa River and Victoria Island, which has served as a spiritual meeting ground for the Algonquin peoples since time immemorial. Ottawa is Canada’s capital city. Situated at the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Rideau rivers, it is the meeting ground of English, French, and Algonquin cultures. Ottawa and its neighbouring city Gatineau, across the river in the province of Quebec, form part of the National Capital Region that encompasses more than 4660 square kilometres.
The Symposium organizers wish to thank the Algonquin First Nation people, in whose traditional territories this conference is being held. There are 10 Algonquin communities, the largest being the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (Algonquin) community, which is located approximately 130 km north of Ottawa, adjacent to the town of Maniwaki, Quebec. Eight other Algonquin communities are located in Quebec: Abitibiwinni (Pikogan), Lac Simon, Timiskaming, Long Point (Winneway), Eagle Village (Kipawa), Barriere Lake, Kitcisakik (Grand Lac Victoria), and Wolf Lake. There is also one Algonquin community in Ontario, the Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, also known as the Algonquins of Golden Lake, located 150 km west of Ottawa, south of Pembroke. For more information about the Algonquin Nation, visit Algonquin Nation.
Ottawa is a major tourist area with picturesque waterways, parks, and walks. In addition to the Parliament Buildings, many museums, galleries, and other attractions are located in the downtown area. Gatineau Park, on the north side of the Ottawa River, is an ideal place to hike or enjoy the scenery from a car or bicycle. Many special activities and events are happening in 2007 as Ottawa celebrates the 150th anniversary of its being chosen as Canada’s capital. For more information, visit Ottawa Tourism, the National Capital Commission, or Ottawa Kiosk.
Ottawa's typical average temperature in September is 14°C (warmer daytime temperatures and cooler nights), with a possibility of rain. However, local weather in September can vary greatly so be prepared for anything — temperature extremes as low as -3°C and as high as 35°C have been recorded! Weather forecasts are available from Environment Canada.
