”Who are you, anyway?” with The Right Honourable David Johnston

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Episode #35 - An enjoyable conversation about family connectivity, stories from his role as Governor-General, being a grandparent, hockey, and growing up in Northern Ontario. Erin Davis & Doug Robinson are honoured to be joined by The Right Honourable David Johnston, 28th Governor-General of Canada and Chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation on the green bench.

"Who are you anyway?"
In a story from Repulse Bay, during a Terry Fox Run, about a young Inuit lad who approached David with this question.

"The question, 'Who am I?' Permits you to see yourself through the eyes of others." -The Right Honourable David Johnston

Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Davis shares stories about playing hockey with the Esposito Brothers and the aspiration of being a professional hockey player.

Doug asks, are you a Toronto Maple Leafs or Ottawa Senators suppoter? Answer, "Any Canadian team in the finals."

"In Northern Ontario, you learn to skate before you walk." -David Johnston

Married to Sharon in 1964, although more years together as David was her first date in high school when she was 13. Coming up to their 60th anniversary, they plan to gather the 5 daughters and 14 grandchildren to celebrate as a family.

Honourary Doctorates for more than 25 Universities and learning institutions, law degrees from Cambridge and Queens University, Officer of the Order of Canada and promoted to Companion (the orders highest level).

Learn about the importance of family connections and human connectivity, something David Johnston & Ron Schlegel have discussed on the #ElderWisdom bench. (Video)

"If the day was a little difficult, you come home, join your family and say all is well." -David Johnston

"All the important things in life I've learned from my children and now my grandchildren." -David Johnston

Hear how David & Sharon received the names: Grandpa Book & Grannie Sunrise

What names do you have for your grandparents or how do your grandchildren call you? Share with us on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag.

In the USA, citizens are paid to give blood and charged to receive blood. A great story in Canada, that Canadians give just to look after their neighbours without needing to know where it is going.

"I've changed dramatically 5 times, all to the credit of my daughters." - David Johnston

Erin & Doug have been fined for how they addressed David on this episode and invited to donate to the Rideau Hall Foundation. Hear more about the work of the foundation and some of the initiatives to create a smarter more caring country.

• Partnership with Mastercard Foundation to fund 10,000 Indigenous young people to become teachers
• Governor General's Innovation Awards
• The Queen Elizabeth Scholars
• Michener Awards to celebrate finalists for public media and journalism
• Roméo LeBlanc - Caring Canadian Awards for Volunteerism/Sovereign's Medal of Volunteerism

The Rideau Hall Foundation is an independent and non-political charitable organization established to mobilize ideas, people, and resources across the country to tap into our national spirit and help realize our shared aspirations. The RHF works closely with the Office of the Governor General and our many partners to connect, honour, and inspire Canadians.

Donations can be made to: https://rhf-frh.ca/donate/

Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca