February 3, 2022

Check against delivery

Hello,

I am pleased to join you, and to see these types of conversations happening between nations, particularly on this important topic to me and our country. This is how we make progress happen.

Today, I am speaking to you from Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, which sits on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.

This land acknowledgement is not a symbolic declaration. It is Canada’s true history, and learning that truth is part of the reconciliation process.

Reconciliation has many facets. It is not an isolated process or project. And it is not just an Indigenous issue. Reconciliation is a Canadian issue that requires a lifetime commitment to understand and listen to each other. It requires us to be respectful of all cultures and beliefs. And it has no end date.

It has also received renewed focus in the last year, with the discovery of unmarked graves of residential school children across Canada, most recently in British Columbia. Here is proof, undeniable, of the consequences of past policies and actions that have devastated Indigenous peoples.

We cannot hide from these discoveries, nor can we ignore the continued impacts of these deep wounds.

How, then, do we move forward?

Growing up in an Inuit community in northern Quebec, my grandmother would always use a word in Inuktitut: ajuinnata.

There is no direct translation, as it encompasses so many aspects. It’s a promise to never give up. It’s committing ourselves to action, no matter how daunting the cause may be. The spirit of ajuinnata pulls us forward, to work together to find solutions. And it’s that same spirit that drives the reconciliation process.

So many are already taking action, addressing issues of accessibility, education, climate change in the Arctic, basic resources and even language.

Language in particular is at the heart of our cultural identity. It shapes who we are, our perspectives, our spirituality and our relationship with the land.

I understand the importance of language and the desire to protect our culture.

I grew up speaking Inuktitut, but when I went to school, my friends and I were discouraged from using our language, and punished when we did. It made us feel as if Inuktitut was wrong, as if we, as a people, were wrong. That is why it’s so important for me to champion Indigenous languages, and also our own stories, so we have the agency to share our truths with you.

As governor general, I hope to provide a safe space for Indigenous peoples to reclaim their own stories, which reflect our diverse society. Stories are healing and they compel us to action. We have much to learn from each other’s journeys.

There are no limits or borders to sharing stories. In October, I attended the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany, where Canada was the Guest of Honour. I saw focus placed on promoting Indigenous authors and storytellers. It warmed my heart to know that we were telling our stories to an international audience. Today, it’s a pleasure to share our story with you in France, even if only virtually.

Throughout my career, I have encouraged people to learn about the lived realities in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

Although we have made progress, we still have so much more to do to improve the mental and physical well-being of Indigenous peoples.

As you begin your discussions today, think about what you can do, even if it’s simply to share what you have learned with colleagues, friends and family. Let us work together to confront the past, understand our stories and build a better future for Canada, France and all the peoples of our countries.

Thank you. Miigwetch. Nakurmiik.