Fort Simpson, Wednesday, June 21, 2006

My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I would like to thank you for welcoming us so warmly to Fort Simpson. Having been born on an island in the South, my native Haiti, I am especially moved to find myself here with you on an island in the North.

Where the majestic Mackenzie and Liard rivers meet, as its Athapaskan name Liidli Kue suggests, we find ourselves on the island of Fort Simpson. At the heart of Deh Cho territory and the gateway to the Nahanni River. As I look out on the beauty of the place, I can see why you feel that this land has truly been blessed. You’ve certainly noticed some of Rideau Hall staff. We all feel very privileged to be here with you today.

I have learned that, for many centuries, the place where we are standing was an important gathering spot for the Dene Nation. It is here that they celebrated the coming of the summer solstice after the ice had melted. It is here that they celebrated the return of long days filled with light after the endless nights. I am happy that I chose this time to visit with you. My eyes are wide open and I am in awe of everything I see. But my ears are also open to hear everything you have to say.

This meeting is even more special because today is National Aboriginal Day. I can think of no better way to honour the invaluable contribution of Aboriginal peoples to our history, our uniqueness and our future prospects. Since being appointed as governor general of Canada, I have met with women and men, young and old, Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities across this vast country of ours.

And I am greatly impressed by the Aboriginal cultures that—and I sincerely believe this—are part of the heritage of each and every Canadian and form the very basis of our collective identity.

I believe that the freedom so abundant in our country, so palpable in the Far North, must never become the privilege of some to the exclusion of others.

I would even say that this freedom begins with the sweeping landscapes, majestic waters and fertile soil whose spirit you, the Aboriginal peoples, have interpreted for us. It was you who first celebrated the riches of this land; it was you who taught us, the settlers, from the first explorers to the latest newcomers, to take root on this continent. Let us never forget this. You are our deepest roots in North America.

The extraordinary respect that you show for the land, the traditions, your cultures and languages, for all of creation itself, symbolized by the white peace feather, is an important lesson for all of humanity. I want to be a strong voice for you south of the sixtieth parallel and as I travel the world. Your message is one of hope, and I want it to reach as many people as possible.

I also know that you are concerned about succeeding in a modern world while preserving your traditional ways of life. I know that you are determined to preserve your heritage and history. I know that you want each and every member of your community to reach their full potential through education and learning. And I know that you are determined to take charge of your community’s destiny. I applaud your efforts, your determination, and want to assure you that I will do whatever I can to help you along the way.

It is an honour to take part in this community feast with women and men who have so much to teach me. I can accomplish nothing without you and hope with all of my heart that we are building what will prove to be a friendly and fruitful relationship now and in the years to come.

I am proud of you, and I am proud to carry in me even a flicker of the timeless wisdom that all Canadians should carry with them, in their hearts and in their minds. I want nothing more than for us to work together to shape the ongoing course of our history.

In the spirit of friendship and in gratitude for the honour you do us in welcoming us here today, on the summer solstice, when the sun shines brightest on Earth, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and extend my hand to you in the hope that we will work together to better this world.