July 15, 2009 * Ceremony to Honour New Commissioners of Truth and Reconciliation Commission

I would like to begin by thanking the elders and other participants for our opening ceremonies.

 

It is, of course, entirely fitting to draw upon and to honour the richness and diversity of aboriginal cultures in showing honour to the three very special individuals who will serve as Commissioners on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

 

Truth and reconciliation is a journey for all Canadians, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.

 

It has taken the courage and persistence of many --- indeed of an entire generation of those willing to speak up and speak out --- to bring us to where we are today. 

 

And there is no doubt that the work ahead for the Commissioners will be demanding … and sometimes difficult and draining.

But Inuit are very confident in the extraordinary abilities and gifts of the three Commissioners … our three friends, Murray, Marie and Willie.

As we move forward, I know that the Commission is in the best of hands.

 

You can count on me as President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the leaders of our regional Inuit organizations who make up our Board of Directors, to be willing and able to work closely with you and the Commission in the coming weeks and years…at every important step along the way. This is one step, and one of many to begin this process of healing.

 

We will work with all of you with as much energy, and sensitivity, and creativity as we can.

 

Our work together in Inuit regions and communities will be greatly facilitated, and greatly enhanced, by the Commission’s commitment in principle to create an Inuit sub-commission … and to give appropriate weight and attention to the special needs of Inuit survivors and the relevance of the Inuit language in both capturing our experience and in contributing to our future.

 

In securing a process to hear the voices that have been silenced and forgotten for many decades, we shall include Inuit voices in this long overdue process—it is a matter of justice, human decency, and human dignity.

 

Inuit salute and appreciate this commitment.

 

As Commissioners begin their work, I would like to close with a more personal wish.

 

Commissioners, the work ahead of will be difficult and burdensome, it will challenge you minds, motivations, and spirits – it will certainly bring you up close to a powerful and difficult part of this Nation’s history—this is a part of our history.

 

But with that as well, be assured you will all learn new things, not just about the victims who suffered, but also about yourselves as individuals, as Commissioners, and as Canadians.

 

You are an important bridge in this process – a bridge between peoples and cultures, between the past, present and future, between the time when voices were silent to now, where voices will be heard, many for the first time.

 

Your work will most definitely be a memorable and inspiring experience fall all involved, and we look forward to the results as you venture into this challenging and absolutely crucial period – and we will be there to assist when necessary.

 

Thank you.