Jean Commends Nunavut Self-Government

[FiveParadox]

During a dinner hosted by the Honourable Paul Okalik, the Government Leader of the Territory of Nunavut after having commemorated the coming of spring with the Toonik Tyme celebration, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., the Governor General of Canada, delivered a speech to the people of the Territory of Nunavut. In her speech, Her Excellency remembered the creation of the newest territory in Canada, and congratulated the people of Nunavut for having achieved their dream.

Her Excellency the Rt. Hon. Michaëlle Jean[/color], C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.,]I am particularly concerned about violence against women and suicide among Inuit youth. Promoting the utmost respect for the dignity of women, their right to security; rekindling hope in young people—this is what is important, this is our collective responsibility. It is within our power to build a new world in which we could live better, a world in which we would give ourselves the tools to make more room for dialogue between the men and women, between cultures, between generations. A world we can be proud of.

Click here to read the entire speech in English.
Cliquetez içi pour lire la parole entière en française.

:arrow: Self-Government of Native Peoples

I would suggest that the creation of the territory of Nunavut, which more or less has become a territory governed by its own Inuit people, is a "test drive", of sorts, in terms of the notion that other Native persons in Canada should have the right to govern themselves, within the existing framework of Canada. Do you think other groups should seek to partition territories for themselves out of land held by the Crown, perhaps from existing territories or provinces? Do you think that these Native persons are in any way entitled to access that land, if their requests are reasonable?

:?: Sources
1. Click here for the Web site of the Governor General of Canada.