Yellowknife, Tuesday, June 20, 2006

How wonderful to be here on this festive evening while outside, the daylight seems as bright as ever!

My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are absolutely delighted to be here with you on the eve of National Aboriginal Day.

Since being appointed governor general of Canada, I have met many representatives, youth and elders of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Every time, I have felt enriched by those encounters. They leave me with no doubt as to the richness of Canada’s Aboriginal heritage. Not only are your cultures among our country’s greatest strengths, but they also form part of the very foundation of our national identity.

I believe that your cultures need to be made better known to Canadians. And with your collaboration, I would like to be a strong voice for you as I travel the country and the world. Your history, your wisdom, the Aboriginal heritage are such a wealth of knowledge and enrichment for all Canadians. Let us embrace this and be proud. And I would like nothing more than for every Canadian child to know these treasures.

Indeed, one of the objectives of this concert is to be a window onto Canada’s Aboriginal artists. Through music, song, dance, poetry and expression, you convey who you are, your sensibilities, your concerns. What you tell us about your relationship with the world is compelling, at times unsettling, but always draws us closer.

This year marks the twentieth edition of this concert, which allows seasoned artists and up‑and‑comers to reach their fans in their communities and find new audiences across the airwaves.

Artists that got their start on a True North stage and are now household names. Artists like Tanya Tagaq Gillis or Leela Gilday, or Elisapie Isaac and Alain Auger who together form the group Taima that did me a great honour in performing at my installation ceremony in Ottawa.

But more than anything, this concert is an opportunity to share, to celebrate Aboriginal talent and languages that, for me, are among our greatest national treasures.

It was you who first celebrated the riches of this land; it was you who taught us to take root on this continent. I am proud to stand before you and proclaim that the Aboriginal peoples are our deepest roots in North America.

Tonight is a night of celebration. And there is nothing like music to make our hearts sing and dance as one. And so, without further ado, on with the show!