Jean's Address at Toonik Tyme

[FiveParadox]

In the Territory of Nunavut, on the occasion of the Toonik Tyme Festival — to celebrate the coming of Spring — after having been made the Honorary Toonik for this year, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Governor General, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D., the Governor General of Canada, alongside His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, C.C., delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

In her speech, the Governor General expressed how she had been looking forward to her first visit to the far northern territory; she expressed her admiration for the art and culture of the region, and highlighted the contrast in scenery and weather between Nunavut and the Republic of Haiti — her nation of origin. Her Excellency went on to describe her perception of the plight of the Inuit people to maintain their traditions in the wake of the development of a more modern Canada — and expressed her regret at the demise of some of those traditions.

Her Excellency the Rt. Hon. Michaëlle Jean[/color], C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.,]My own experience has taught me that adaptation of any kind rarely goes smoothly. We must not forget that the North is also one of the country's most economically and socially disadvantaged regions. This situation brings even more pressure to bear on young people, who are caught between tradition and a modern world, between a way of life they have never known, which their elders grieve to see fading away, and a future that seems almost closed off.

Many young people feel torn between two worlds. Deprived of their traditional culture, with no real sense of belonging to modern society; pulled by these diverging tides, they are sinking. Too many are floating adrift, only to be pulled under into despair. You must not think that this tragedy is unique to your people. For example, the rate of suicide among young men in Quebec is one of the highest in the industrialized world. The North and South must engage in dialogue to address this situation. We must remain attentive to the warning signs; we must hear their cries for help before death becomes the only way out in their eyes. I sincerely believe that you will be able to find the solutions.

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:arrow: My Opinion

It's quite impressive, in my opinion, to hear that Her Excellency plans on assisting the people of Nunavut to pass on their words of wisdom and heritage to future generations, by donating eighty books to the Iqaluit Centennial Library, to commemorate the eightieth birthday of Her Majesty the Queen of Canada. Not only is she inspiring people across this nation with her moving speeches and addresses, but she is making a tangible difference in the lives of Canadians through her actions; I would like to thank Her Excellency for having brought life and inspiration back to Rideau Hall.

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