Huu-ay-aht Territory, Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Thank you for warmly welcoming my wife, Sharon, and me to your community today. We are delighted to visit the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, and to speak directly with the hereditary chiefs and council about your history and culture—as well as your dreams for the future.

Let me begin by congratulating you on your achievements to date as you begin to implement the provisions of the recent Maa-Nulth Final Agreement. The signing of this treaty is an historic event for all Canadians. I know that it was many years in the making, and the success of negotiations speaks to your vision and to your deep connection to this beautiful place, which you have occupied since time immemorial.

As governor general and as a Canadian, I am inspired by your story. You are one of five distinct First Nations that have come together in the hopes of securing a better future for your children, and you have worked closely with people at the regional, provincial and federal level to find common ground for all. In a very real sense, your example is the hope of this country.

Fifteen years ago, the authors of the final report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples said as much themselves, when they wrote:

“Canada is a test case for a grand notion – the notion that dissimilar peoples can share lands, resources, power and dreams while respecting and sustaining their differences. The story of Canada is the story of many such peoples, trying and failing and trying again, to live together in peace and harmony.”

During the past year, I have travelled across Canada, speaking to people in their communities and striving to listen and to learn. And one thing I have been struck by is the sheer diversity of cultures and perspectives that we are blessed with in this country. I say “blessed” because, like the ecological diversity of the land that sustains us, I believe our differences can be our greatest strength—provided we approach each other with mutual respect, in search of shared understanding.

And that is exactly the spirit in which the Maa-Nulth Final Agreement was signed. More than a piece of paper, the treaty is in fact the basis of a relationship, which we must take care to nurture and protect in the years to come. As governor general, I know that the honour of the Crown depends on it.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you the very best as you continue your work towards a bright future for your communities and your cultures. I look forward to our next gathering.

Thank you.