The Social Planning Council of Sudbury is bringing in Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, James K. Bartleman, for a special keynote address Monday evening.

Bartleman was sworn in as the 27th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario on March 7, 2002 and became the first aboriginal Canadian to hold the prestigious position.

Once appointed to the position, Bartleman identified three key priorities for his mandate, including eliminating the stigma of mental illness, fighting racism and discrimination and encouraging aboriginal young people to succeed in life.

Born in Orillia, Bartleman grew up in the small town of Port Carling in the Muskoka area of Ontario and is a member of the Mnjikaninig First Nation.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our community...and the Social Planning Council is eager for many of our residents to come out and hear Mr. Bartleman speak," said Grace Kurke, president of the Social Planning Council of Sudbury, in a news release.

Before the dinner engagement, Bartleman will be visiting a local school involved in a social inclusion project and will be meeting with the planning council's Aboriginal Youth Leadership Team.

The dinner takes place Monday evening at the Caruso Club.

Tickets are limited. Tables of eight can be reserved. To purchase a ticket, which are $50 per person ($45 for Social Planning Council members), call Jody or Sara at 675-3894. Tickets are also available at Black Cat Too or online at www.spcsudbury.ca.