SPEAKING NOTES

for an address by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, PC, MP Minister of Transport

At the Official opening ceremony of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Commemorative Park

Maniwaki, Quebec
August 9, 2007

Check against delivery

(Acknowledgments of KZA Chief and Elders, provincial and municipal dignitaries in attendance, as appropriate …)

I feel very privileged to be here today representing the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Jim Prentice, and to take part in this sacred ceremony.

Today also marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, an opportunity to join together in celebrating the rich traditions and diverse cultures of Indigenous people including the Aboriginal peoples of Canada.

The inauguration of this commemorative park is certainly reason to celebrate not only Aboriginal cultures and tradition but also partnership that has been achieved.

This park is a landmark, both literally and figuratively, in relations between the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, the Government of Canada and the residents of this community.

With the official opening of this beautiful green space, we are reconciling the past with the present and creating common ground for our shared future.

We have returned to the First Nation a portion of their original reserve land, peacefully settling an historic grievance. The Government of Canada is committed to honoring its lawful obligations to First Nations, recognizing that their legal rights must be respected and upheld.

In the process, we are demonstrating the advantages of co-operative negotiations that enable us to resolve longstanding grievances without resorting to the courts. We strongly believe in negotiated agreements that settle contentious issues in a way that is mutually acceptable and benefits all parties.

This is one of the basic tenets underlying this government’s decisive new approach to the resolution of specific claims, announced by the Prime Minister on June 12th – an approach that will fundamentally change the way specific claims are handled in Canada. The settlement of these claims not only fulfills a legal obligation to First Nations, but is also a platform from which we can all build a better future together.

As the plaque on the monument reminds us, we are rededicating this hallowed land to the memory of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Algonquin peoples who have occupied it since time immemorial. But, more than that, we are acknowledging the intertwined history of the First Nation and the town of Maniwaki.

Over the centuries, this land has been the final resting place of the Algonquin and other Aboriginal peoples, as well as French, English and other European settlers who, together, built this region. This quiet place for peace and reflection will serve as a reminder of the close ties between both communities.

The Elders’ prayers underline that this land is a spiritual place – a place where we pay respect to all those who played such important roles in shaping this community and our country. A place where we remember the many indispensable lessons they taught us. A place where we resolve to carry on their important work and sustain their values which continue to inspire us.

Burial grounds are also places where past conflicts are laid to rest. Here, both friends and former foes lay side by side, equals in eternal tranquility. Problems that may once have seemed insurmountable have since been resolved or are long forgotten as time heals all. Places like this underscore how much we have in common and how our shared history unites us.

The Kitigan Zibi have made clear that this park will be open to all citizens of Maniwaki to use and enjoy. They have also reinforced their intention that this sacred ground will be protected far into the future. In recognition of the sanctity of the lands, they have declared that no development will be allowed.

The Government of Canada salutes the Kitigan Zibi for their decision to build this memorial, which demonstrates the benefits of peaceful and productive negotiations. Not only do negotiations bring full and final closure to longstanding claims. They also create opportunities to renew the centuries-old relationship between First Nations and the Canadians who followed, who together built this great country.

This beautiful commemorative park is lasting testimony to the resilience of this relationship. Let it serve as a witness, for time immemorial, to continued peace and prosperity in this community.

Thank you.