April 3, 2009

The territory of Nunavut is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week, and I would add, this year, 2009. This historic event in our country marks an important step in this ongoing adventure that is so full of promise.

I have vivid memories of the Nunavut’s creation in the spring of 1999. And I am looking forward to embarking on an extensive tour of Nunavut shortly, both to meet with members of the communities and hear their concerns, and to celebrate their accomplishments. I will focus on the needs and realities of the young people in that part of the country where 60% of the population is under 25 years of age—a pool of the brightest and best, for both the present and the future of the territory. I look forward to meeting with them and with those who are furthering the territory’s development, and to a great extent, are by their very presence the proof of our sovereignty in the Arctic.

Until then, I say to its people that I am proud of their ability to help build a new world where we can work in harmony to make more room for dialogue between men and women and between cultures and generations.

Michaëlle Jean

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