October 19, 2006

by Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to meet with many Aboriginal youths, including a group that accompanied a delegation of veterans to Normandy to pay tribute to the spirit of the warriors who fell in Europe during the Second World War. I was impressed by the dialogue between generations. The younger generation was visibly moved to return with the elders to the landing sites and to hear them recount that difficult period in their lives. Their pride was unmistakable. The youths were also given the opportunity to talk about their aspirations and desire to make a difference in their own right and to inspire generations to come.

As I travelled through the territories and provinces, I met many more young people who, in spite of their troubles or the difficult situations in which they sometimes found themselves, refused to give up on their dreams. These are true builders, true leaders who believe in their potential. I am reminded of the hundreds of Aboriginal youth entrepreneurs from all across Canada who gathered in Vancouver in March 2006 and shared with me their determination to overcome their difficulties and carve out a place for themselves in the business world.

On Monday, October 16, at Rideau Hall, we awarded the National Aboriginal Role Model Awards to 12 youths aged 13 to 30 who have been recognized in their communities for their achievements, spirit of commitment and innovation. An entire generation is aching to be heard and daring to dream in this country where anything is possible.