January 27, 2026

Check against delivery

Good morning,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall. We are gathering on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation, whose rich history surrounds us.

Today, we thank you for deepening our understanding of the true history of our country.

This is the fourth time I’ve had the privilege of presenting these awards as Governor General.

Throughout my mandate, I took part in several discussions on Indigenous history and the legacy of residential schools. I also held the Governor General’s History Symposium in Winnipeg in 2024.

I want to say how much I appreciate the tremendous progress we’ve made, thanks to innovative professionals like you, in developing a more inclusive approach to our history.

Through your work, you have brought forward perspectives too often missing from the narratives most Canadians were taught.

The voices of lesser-known community builders. Unconventional thinkers. Indigenous peoples. 2SLGBTQ+ communities, Black communities, and many others.

Inclusive history is powerful.

For young Canadians, it helps shape empathetic, thoughtful citizens.

For adults, it fosters cultural understanding, connection and belonging.

And for communities that have been marginalized, it brings a profound sense of empowerment.

I witnessed this myself just weeks ago.

In December, I was at the Canadian Museum of History to witness the return of cultural artefacts from the Vatican to Indigenous communities.

This gesture allows them to curate and share their own histories—rather than having those histories interpreted through a colonial lens.

It is a powerful example of inclusive historical practice.

Your work as historians, museum curators, educators, writers, and journalists is part of this same effort.

And for that, I want to thank you.

I also value the way people are working together—Indigenous and non‑Indigenous, teachers, historians, and partners from many fields.

Many of you—especially the teachers we are recognizing today—have built innovative networks of collaboration.

You have worked with community members, museum professionals, technology experts, and artists to transform your historical discoveries into living projects.

You have gone beyond the history books, drawing on artefacts, period objects and clothing, original documents, and oral traditions.

The creativity of your projects is remarkable, and their impact has extended far beyond the classroom: from artistic works to heritage gardens, self‑guided tours, and experiences that brought people together.

You have made history not only more inclusive, but truly alive.

I encourage you to continue this important work in the years ahead.

Congratulations to all of you.