Dalai Lama to be given white cowboy hat before speech at Calgary conference

CP, September 30, 2009

<< The Dalai Lama looks out toward the crowd prior to a panel discussion in Vancouver, Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

CALGARY — The Dalai Lama will be welcomed to Calgary with a time-honoured Western tradition - the placing of a white cowboy hat on his head by the city's mayor.

The Tibetan spiritual leader is coming to the city for the first time in decades to take part in a conference organized by the University of Calgary.

University president Harvey Weingarten says it's hope the appearance by the Dalai Lama will encourage students to think about their futures and what they can do for their community.

The Dalai Lama appeared in Vancouver earlier this week, telling a peace summit that technology may be eliminating compassion.

His last visit to Canada was greeted with controversy when China objected to his public meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

But Weingarten says this visit is about spreading peace and ideals and he has not heard of any protests planned around the event.

 

 

 

 

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