PHOKENG, 04 May 2026: The Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) participated in the 9th First Nations Canada Major Projects Coalition Conference, with His Majesty Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi delivering an address as part of the official programme.
Held from 29 April to 1 May 2026 in Toronto, the conference brought together indigenous leaders and representatives from across the globe under the theme “The Next Seven Generations - Our Shared Future.”
Distinguished royalty also included Her Majesty Te Arikinui Kuīni Nga wai hono i te po VIII, who joined leaders to engage on shared priorities such as sustainable development, cultural preservation and the well-being of future generations.
Proceedings opened with ceremonial introductions, keynote addresses and a blanket presentation ceremony. The blankets, blessed in advance, were presented to visiting leaders and dignitaries as symbols of reciprocity and respect - an important cultural practice reflecting shared values of kinship, creativity and the spiritual significance embedded in Indigenous textile traditions.
RBN’s participation reflects its continued commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with indigenous communities globally and contributing to dialogue on sustainable development and the well-being of future generations. It further reaffirms a shared dedication to heritage, collaboration, and collective progress.
For further information, please contact:
Bashi L Makgale
Director of Operations
Office of Kgosi
Email:
Tel: +27 14 566 7000
ABOUT THE ROYAL BAFOKENG NATION:
The Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) is a traditionally governed community of approximately 128,000 people, residing in 29 villages across 1,200 km2 in South Africa’s North West Province. Rooted in a strong system of traditional leadership, the RBN is committed to long-term social, economic and environmental sustainability, while preserving and promoting its rich African heritage and cultural identity. The RBN’s vision is to remain a relevant and innovative traditional African community in a rapidly changing world. Central to this is a development approach focused on building a community of healthy, dignified individuals who are proud of their identity and actively steward their natural and economic resources. This vision is advanced through sustained investment in education and skills development, community welfare, and strategic infrastructure, enabling economic diversification and the creation of lasting, intergenerational value for its people.