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June 20, 2006
“I am very pleased to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day, here at Fort Simpson, in the Northwest Territories. What a wonderful opportunity to honour the first inhabitants of this great land that we all share today as Canadians and to celebrate the wisdom, culture and spirituality of Aboriginal peoples in Canada!
In my visits to provinces and territories over the past months, I have had the privilege of meeting many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and of witnessing first‑hand the strength, resilience, and pride of their communities. On each of my visits, I have been struck by the indomitable spirit of Aboriginal peoples. Your long and rich history, which spans thousands of years on this continent, is a fundamental part of our collective heritage and a source of pride for all Canadians.
It is important to recognize the role that Aboriginal peoples have played in building this country. You continue to teach us so much. Your ancestors interpreted for us the spirit of Canada’s sweeping landscapes and fertile soil. They were the first to celebrate its riches; they taught us to take root on this continent. Indeed, you helped forge our national identity and build the foundations of our country.
The road traveled by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada has not always been smooth. We cannot undo the injustices of the past, but we can learn from our experiences and start to build the kind of society we want for ourselves and our children. In that spirit, I invite all Canadians, on this important day, to take the time to learn more about Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the priceless contributions that they continue to make to our unique identity and our collective aspirations for the future.”
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Frédérique Tsaï-Klassen
Rideau Hall Press Office
(613) 993-8158